Friday 23 February 2024 23:46, United Kingdom
An unexploded World War II bomb exploded at sea, forcing thousands of people in Plymouth to flee their homes.
Around 30 of the military’s most experienced bomb disposal experts led a “very complex disposal operation” on Friday following the discovery of a 500kg bomb on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defense (Defence) said.
Police were called to a property on St Michael Avenue in the Keyham area of Plymouth after the device was unearthed by a man who was digging the foundations for an extension to the property.
A 300 meter cordon was then placed around the site, affecting 1,219 properties and an estimated 3,250 people, making it one of the largest evacuations since the end of World War II.
Read all our coverage of World War II bombs here
According to the Defense Ministry, the device exploded at 21:51 p.m.
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps praised the “courage and fortitude” of troops involved in “a very complex operation” and the “patience and co-operation” of the public.
“I would like to thank all the staff involved in this very complex operation and the public for their patience, who worked day and night this week to keep the public safe and minimize the risk of harm,” he said. “I want to express that,” he said. And cooperation.
“The success of this operation is a testament to the level of skill and expertise across our military, and the courage and fortitude of our members who faced high-risk situations and worked under extreme pressure.”
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