WW2 Bomb in Plymouth: Everything you need to know

Summary

An unexploded WW2 bomb that was found in a garden in Plymouth has been safely transferred to the sea, Devon and Cornwall Police say
The device was moved by military convoy from the Keyham area of the city to the Torpoint Ferry slipway, from which it is being taken to the sea for detonation
A 300m cordon set up around the disposal route has been lifted and thousands of people who were evacuated have been told they can return to their homes
More than 10,300 people and some 4,300 properties fell within the area that was cordoned off by police
The Ministry of Defence has described it as one of the largest UK peacetime evacuations since WW2
Police were called on Tuesday to the discovery of the bomb in a garden in St Michael Avenue
The area was heavily bombed during the war in an attempt to damage nearby naval facilities

Unexploded bomb in Plymouth: What we know

The disposal of a World War II bomb found in a back garden in Plymouth earlier this week marks the end of four days of disruption for thousands of people living in the city.

A 500kg (1,102lb) German World War Two bomb has been transported through Plymouth and taken out to sea for disposal.
The unexploded device was found in a garden on St Michael Avenue on Tuesday.
Experts removed the device from the property on Friday and transported it about 1.4 miles (2.3km) in a military convoy to the Torpoint Ferry slipway.
The bomb has now been taken by boat beyond the breakwater to be detonated.
Plymouth City Council said 10,320 people and 4,300 properties fell within a cordon implemented on Friday while the bomb was transported to the sea.
The cordon was lifted shortly after 17:30 GMT.

Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said locals also needed to be praised for what they have done this week in making sure the operation was a success.

He paid special thanks to residents of Keyham, Ford and Devonport, who have been the most effected by the incident.

The council leader added he was “so proud” of the city.

“I would also to recognise all the other organisations who have demonstrated a stellar performance of community resilience and what it truly means to be a public servant,” Mr Evans said.

“Hundreds of council officers joined the small army of organisations that worked hand in hand to support the people of Keyham and keep our city safe.

“And finally – of course I would like to thank the people of Keyham, Ford and Devonport.

“It has been a rollercoaster of emotion the last few days, and I would like to praise the community for helping the emergency team in evacuating and supporting our effort to protect their home.

“It is a day I will never forget. I am so proud of Plymouth.”

Pub landlord opened early to help evacuated locals

Nick O’Riley, who runs Stoke Bar, welcomed in people earlier than usual after locals were evacuated from their homes.

He said: “I’ve opened early, they can come in for free tea or coffee, somewhere warm to sit if they’ve got nowhere else to go.

“It’s nice to help.”

Support is still available, says council

Plymouth City Council more than 570 people visited the Life Centre on Friday.,

The authority said it was still open to provide help and support for local people as they prepare to return home and said it would only close when the last person had left.

The council also said water had been restored to the area which was in the cordon.

On Saturday, the council said, the rest centre would move to the Beacon, in North Prospect, and the Life Centre would reopen to members and customers.

The Beacon will be open from 08:00 to 20:00 GMT on Saturday and Sunday – with staff from Plymouth Community Homes, the council and Livewell Southwest offering advice and information, mental health support and help accessing food.