The device was pulled up at a construction site
The device has been identified as a German SC50 bomb(Image: S.I UXO)
A suspected German WWII bomb found in Millbay is responsible for evacuating a school, hotel, shops and residential properties.
The device was found at a building site in Martin Street on Wednesday, January 14.
Photos reveal the device, which is believed to be a German SC50, used by the Luftwaffe during WWII.
South West based unexploded ordnance risk mitigation company S.I UXO is at the scene in Millbay.
A spokesperson for the company said: “During routine ground investigation works, our CPT rig known as “Percy”, fitted with a magnetic probe, detected a subsurface anomaly.
“A controlled target investigation was carried out by S.I UXO specialists, which exposed an item of unexploded ordnance later confirmed as a German SC50 bomb.
“Safety procedures were implemented (throughout) the entire process and the appropriate authorities were notified. The item was subsequently dealt with safely by specialist agencies.”
Emergency services initially established a 100m cordon around the site following the bomb’s discovery on Wednesday morning, prompting an evacuation at The Moxy Hotel and Millbay Academy, which remains closed on Thursday.
This was later widened to a 400m ‘line-of-sight’ cordon, meaning a small number of residential properties which are considered to be in a direct line of sight of the device have been advised to evacuate, the city council said.
Steps to mitigate the device were halted on Wednesday after night fell but work is expected to pick up again on Thursday morning.
In an update posted at 7.30pm yesterday, a Plymouth City Council spokesperson said: “This continues to be a major incident.
“A 100 metre firm cordon remains in place around the construction site. However, in addition the police have introduced a 400 metre ‘line of sight’ cordon.
“This means that a small number of residential properties along Millbay Road, that are considered to be in direct line of sight of the device have been advised to evacuate.
“Although evacuation is not mandatory, residents in the affected properties are strongly advised to leave their homes for their own safety.
“Those residents are encouraged to make arrangements to stay with friends or family overnight while the device is made safe.
“For those who need support, particularly if they don’t have anywhere to stay, the council has opened an EAP at Plymouth Cathedral.
“The Cathedral will provide help and information for anyone without alternative accommodation, along with light refreshments.
“Please note – if the police have not requested that you evacuate your home – you do not need to.”
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