UNEXPLODED BOMB FOUND UNDER FORMER UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH BUILDING IN PLYMOUTH
Police in Plymouth evacuated an large part of the city centre this afternoon following the discovery of an unexploded bomb on a city centre building site that used to house students from the University of Plymouth.
Police were called to the Hoe Centre on Notte Street at around 3.40pm after workmen discovered the partially-buried unexploded bomb while conducting building works. The site was a former NAAFI building and more recently used for teaching and accommodation for students from the University of Plymouth. The university closed the building a couple of years ago and it is currently being demolished to make way for student flats.
The city centre was closed off until 10.45pm with over 300 people moved out of commercial and residential property to a shelter at Plymouth Pavilions. The MOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were called to the site, near to the Holiday Inn, to carry out assessment of the bomb before making it safe and removing it. The bomb is believed to date to World War Two and is said to be 18 inches long.
Police evacuated the neighbouring buildings – commercial and residential – and created a 300 metre cordon.
Residents were led to Plymouth Pavilions, which was set up as an evacuation centre and over 300 people arrived during the evening until the cordon was lifted at 10.45pm.
More info at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk
