100 personnel deployed in Plymouth as thousands evacuated due to WWII bomb

One hundred military personnel have been deployed on the streets of Plymouth following the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb.

According to a post on X, formerly Twitter, from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), military bomb disposal teams are at the scene to help make the device safe while other personnel will be organising the evacuation operation.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they were called on Tuesday morning after the object was found in a garden on St Michael Avenue in Plymouth.

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In an update, Plymouth City Council said the Army advised, at 09:00 on Thursday, that the established cordon should be extended from 200 metres to 300 metres.

This was to allow ordnance disposal experts to work on the bomb.

The advice given out on Wednesday for residents evacuating this morning by 09:00 stated: "The military advice is clear – if you live within 309 metres of the device, you will need to evacuate to ensure your safety."

Officials started knocking on doors from 08:00, although, in some cases, only part of the street is inside the cordon.

Residents are being encouraged to make arrangements to stay with friends and family over the next couple of days.

The city council's letter to residents told them the cordon is "likely to be in place for at least a 36-hour period".

A rest centre, at the Life Centre, has also been set up as a possible place where people can stay and be provided with help and support.

Those who will have to move out of the expanded cordon are being told to take enough clothes, medical prescriptions or equipment they may need for the next couple of days.

The council update adds: "We know that this will be worrying, but please be assured Plymouth City Council, the local police, NHS, and other partners are working closely together to ensure your safety and wellbeing whilst this process is being undertaken."