Plymouth bomb relief as thousands return home after WW2 device detonated

24 February 2024 , 16:38

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Over 10,000 people were evacuated from Keyham as the military disposed of a bomb (Image: PA)

A World War 2 bomb discovered in the garden of a Plymouth property has been successfully and safely detonated.

The uncovering and subsequent detonation of the bomb means thousands can now return to their homes after a sudden evacuation order for residents within 300metres of the bomb path. More than 10,000 people were cleared out of the area around Keyham to make way for a military convoy carrying the unexploded device.

The Ministry of Defence has since confirmed the 500kg bomb, found on Tuesday (February 20), has been detonated. Said detonation took place on Friday night (February 23). One resident says the evacuation procedure was difficult and has been "challenging" for residents.

The military successfully disposed of the bomb on Friday night (file) (PA)

Evacuating Keyham marked "one of the largest UK peacetime evacuation operations" the Ministry of Defence confirmed. Residents were assured by the detonation but had said it was "inconvenient" to leave their homes behind, even temporarily. Speaking to the BBC, Elle Clarke said: "It's been inconvenient, but I'm glad there's been a conclusion to the situation." Elle, like many others, was sent to a leisure centre and left a number of pets at home.

Fellow resident Jenny Dunn said: "It's been challenging at times, but Keyham always comes together. The resources that were put in to help us residents was amazing. It was tough, but it was the best [the situation] could be." Ms Clarke aired her concern for the animals she left behind, as it left her "sitting in suspension".

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"I was mainly concerned for the animals because this is their territory. We were more concerned for them than ourselves really," she said. "Sitting in suspension not knowing what is going on has been excruciating." Another resident, Joe Pearse, who lives in St Michael Avenue where the bomb was found, said: "We were told to grab everything you can because you might not have anything to come back to.

Police set up cordons to keep members of the public at a safe distance (PA)

"So I got the pooch and grabbed what I could and left. I've just put a five grand bathroom in and was expecting it to be blown up, so at least I've still got the house." Members living near to the site where the bomb was found are now cleaning up the area. Around 10,320 people and 1,219 properties were affected by the 300m cordon placed along the route. A military convoy carried the unexploded bomb on the back of a truck.

It was transported from the densely populated area to Torpoint Ferry slipway, where it was taken out to sea and detonated. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "I would like to express my thanks to all our personnel involved in this highly complex operation, who worked both night and day this week to keep the public safe and minimise the risk of damage, as well as the public for their patience and cooperation.

"The success of this operation is testament to the level of skill and expertise across our armed forces, as well as the bravery and fortitude of our personnel when faced with high-risk situations and working under extreme pressure."

Ewan Gleadow