Homes evacuated as suspected WW2 device found

More than 1,000 homes have been evacuated in Plymouth after an unexploded suspected WW2 device was discovered at a building site.

Officers were called to Flamborough Road, Southway, following reports a suspected ordnance had been found at 2.30pm on Wednesday, police said.

Royal Navy UXO specialists worked through the night assessing the device and a 400m cordon in the area is ongoing, Plymouth City Council said in an update this morning.

The council said it has provided more than 400 tonnes of sand, which is being used by specialists to help stabilise and secure the device.

Additionally, specialist enhanced X‑ray equipment has now arrived on site, allowing unexploded ordnance experts to continue their detailed assessment.

Police officers and partner agencies are continuing door-to-door visits to provide residents with information and encourage people to leave their homes for their own safety.

The council update continued: "UXO experts can only make the device safe once the area is fully evacuated - we know this is disruptive and thank residents for their cooperation."

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In a later post, it said: "We are aware that a small number of residents who have evacuated are asking if they can return to their homes to collect essential items such as medication.

"Unfortunately, the clear advice from the Royal Navy is that no one should re‑enter the cordon at this time."

Those who had been forced to evacuate were advised to stay with friends or family, or to speak with council staff at Southway Youth and Community Centre if necessary.

They were also advised to turn off their water supply and open windows if possible, and to take essentials with them.

The centre remains open and has supported over 50 residents, with around 25 households placed in temporary accommodation, the council said, adding that pets are welcome.

Schools within the cordon remain closed and bus services are affected.

The council said it doesn't yet know how long the evacuation will last and more information is available on its website.

Two years ago, a 500kg WWII German bomb was discovered in a garden in the Keyham area of Plymouth.

It forced the evacuation of thousands of people and was detonated at sea.

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