A potentially explosive device was discovered near a city center today, leading to the enforcement of a 400-meter safety cordon by law enforcement officials in the Millbay area of Plymouth. The suspected ordnance was unearthed at a construction site on Martin Street.
As a precautionary measure, a school and hotel were evacuated, and residents within the cordoned area were urged to vacate their homes while Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists attended to the buried object, which was uncovered approximately five meters below ground during construction activities.
Due to the ongoing operation and the established safety cordon, further updates will be provided as necessary. For real-time news updates, please visit our website.
Millbay Academy has confirmed its closure for the following day, transitioning to remote learning arrangements.
The local council emphasized the seriousness of the situation, maintaining a 100-meter firm cordon around the construction site, with an additional 400-meter ‘line of sight’ cordon for specific residential properties along Millbay Road. While evacuation is not compulsory, residents in these properties were strongly advised to seek shelter elsewhere for their own safety.
Specialist teams are diligently assessing the discovered explosive to devise a safe disposal strategy in collaboration with relevant authorities. The Moxy Hotel, adjacent to the site, has been evacuated as a safety measure.
Detailed examination revealed the ordnance buried 4.3 meters below the surface, embedded in natural soil beneath man-made layers. The discovery was facilitated by a Site Investigation and Ordnance Risk Management team utilizing advanced testing methods. Subsequently, the authorities were alerted for further assistance.
Efforts to secure the area where the device was located have been reinforced with the arrival of large sandbags. Millbay Academy expressed gratitude for the cooperation received and assured ongoing communication with parents and carers.
Reporters on-site noted significant disruptions in the vicinity due to the emergency response, with road closures and a visible police presence to safeguard the public.
Plymouth Live reported the evacuation of Millbay Academy following the suspected bomb discovery at a construction site on Martin Street, prompting the deployment of bomb disposal units on the scene.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the incident and urged the public to steer clear of the area until the situation is resolved. The ongoing operation entails a 100-meter safety cordon and road closures for public safety.
