Bomb alert in Southampton sees police cordon off roads and buildings evacuated

14 March 2024 , 13:38

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The scene has been cordoned off (Image: Getty Images)

Dozens of people were evacuated from buildings in Southampton after a "suspected unexploded ordnance" was discovered in roadworks in the city centre.

Police closed roads after it was discovered near Cumberland Place shortly after 10am this morning. Military bomb disposal experts were called to the scene to make it safe. The incident was later stood down.

Southampton City Council said: "There is an emergency incident in the Ring Road improvement works area (Brunswick Place, Cumberland Place and Havelock Road). Police are currently on site and the Ring Road and nearby footways have been closed for public safety.

"This will unfortunately cause delays coming into and out of the city centre and impact the wider network. Please plan your journeys to avoid this area.

"The closures are now being slowly lifted and the road will be returning to the temporary one-way system shortly. Thank you for your patience during this incident."

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A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 10.20am this morning to reports of a small piece of suspected unexploded ordnance was discovered in roadworks in Southampton.

"This was attended by the OED (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team and the incident has been stood down."

Antony Clements-Thrower