The military operation to remove a Second World War bomb found in a garden in Plymouth has been declared a “success” and the device has “gone to sea”.
On Friday at 5.32pm after the 500kg unexploded bomb had been moved in a military convoy through the streets to the sea, Plymouth City Council lifted a 300-metre cordon of evacuated nearby properties.
It announced “you can now return to your homes in Keyham”.
Devon and Cornwall Police were called on Tuesday morning to St Michael Avenue in the Keyham area of Plymouth after the object, which is believed to date from the Second World War, was discovered in a garden.
The bomb has gone to sea!
— Ian Drummond-Smith (@ChSupt_IanDS) February 23, 2024
Thank you to everyone for your patience and good spirits
Amazing bravery by @BritishArmy @RoyalNavy and escorting officers from @DC_Police #plymouth https://t.co/zSv4ML8U31
Since then, a 300-metre cordon has been put in place around the site, affecting 1,219 properties and an estimated 3,250 people.
On Friday Devon and Cornwall Chief Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith said on X, formerly Twitter, said: “The bomb has gone to sea!
“Thank you to everyone for your patience and good spirits.”
He also praised the British Army and Royal Navy for their “amazing bravery” and also the escorting officers from the Devon and Cornwall force.
The Ministry of Defence, who had earlier described the scene as “one of the largest UK peacetime evacuation operations since WW2”, to ensure the bomb was made safe and the device would be transported on Friday at 2pm to Torpoint Ferry slipway via Saltash Road.
Members of the public watched as the bomb, which was clad in sandbags, was transported.
As it told residents the cordon was being lifted, Plymouth City Council said: “We have been notified by the military that operation has been a success and the bomb has been removed.
“We can now start removing the cordon so people who have been evacuated can return to their homes.
“Roads will be busy!”
A huge thank you and massive respect to all the Police, coastguard, military, mountain rescue, Plymouth City Council staff and multiple volunteers who have worked around the clock to deal with this bomb in Keyham.
— Rt Hon Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) February 23, 2024
I expect all 10,000 evacuated residents to return this evening. pic.twitter.com/dXNWAOcVRT
Johnny Mercer, the MP for Plymouth, Moor View, who is also the Veterans’ Affairs minister, wrote on X, previously know as Twitter: “A huge thank you and massive respect to all the Police, coastguard, military, mountain rescue, Plymouth City Council staff and multiple volunteers who have worked around the clock to deal with this bomb in Keyham.
“I expect all 10,000 evacuated residents to return this evening.”