Controlled explosion by bomb squad takes place after 'unknown' device found

25 February 2024 , 18:48

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Police at the scene of the incident (Image: BPM MEDIA)

A suspected World War Two bomb has been found in a Derby river with a controlled explosion carried out.

The bomb squad was called in after the device was found in the River Derwent. A 100 metre cordon was put in place with Derwent Street and Exeter Bridge both closed as an investigation was carried out to establish how best to deal with the suspected bomb.

Derbyshire Police were on the scene with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, known as the bomb squad, this afternoon as they worked on what they first called an "unknown" device and then described it later as a "suspected WW2 device". People were also told to avoid the area.

"A cordon is currently in place in Derby city centre. An unknown device has been found in the River Derwent and a 100m cordon has been put in place as a precaution," stated Derbyshire Police. "The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has been called to assess the device. Derwent Street and Exeter Bridge is currently closed. Please avoid the area and find an alternative route."

Later, a message from the force said that a controlled explosion had taken place on the suspected WW2 device had taken place and that the cordon had been lifted. It wrote on X: "A controlled explosion has taken place in Derby after a suspected WW2 device was found in the River Derwent. The cordon in the city centre has now been lifted and all roads are now reopened."

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It comes after a WW2 bomb was detonated last Friday, February 23, having been found in the garden of a family home in a Plymoth suburb. The Ministry of Defence confirmed an evacuation order for over 10,000 people last week after an unexploded device was uncovered. It was safely detonated in the ocean after a military convoy safely transported it out to sea.

Residents of the Keyham area of the city were told to leave their homes and belongings, some even leaving their pets behind, as they waited out the blast from a safe distance. The evacuation order was the biggest peacetime evacuation since World War 2, the MoD confirmed.

Tim Hanlon