Plymouth bomb: Relief for thousands back home
2024-02-24 10:54:16+00:00

Thousands of people evacuated from their homes in Plymouth have
returned after days of disruption caused by the discovery of a World
War Two bomb.

More than 10,000 people had to move out of the area around Keyham as
a convoy of military vehicles carried away the unexploded device.

The MoD said the 500kg (1,102lb) bomb, found in a garden on Tuesday,
had been detonated at 21:15 GMT on Friday.

One resident who was evacuated said the experience had been
difficult.

Jenny Dunn told the BBC: "It's been challenging at times, but Keyham
always comes together, the resources that were put in to help us
residents was amazing.

"It was tough, but it was the best [the situation] could be."

The bomb's discovery prompted "one of the largest UK peacetime
evacuation operations", according to the MoD.

Resident Elle Clarke, who was reunited with her pets, said she was
glad it was over.

Like many people, Ms Clarke, who was sent to a leisure centre, had to
leave a number of pets in her home.

"It's been inconvenient, but I'm glad there's been a conclusion to
the situation," she said.

Ms Clarke added: "I was mainly concerned for the animals because this
is their territory, we were more concerned for them than ourselves
really.

"Sitting in suspension not knowing what is going on has been
excruciating."

Bomb disposal specialists worked around the clock to assess the
condition of the device, an air-dropped German bomb, designated
SC-500, which was discovered at a garden on St Michael Avenue.

On Friday, a military convoy carried the unexploded bomb on the back
of a truck from the site through a densely populated residential area
to Torpoint Ferry slipway, where it was taken out to sea.

About 10,320 people and 1,219 properties were affected by the 300m
(984ft) cordon placed along the route.

Lieut Col Rob Swan, who was at the scene, explained that before
detonation, the bomb would be taken to a depth of at least 14m before
a diver would place a charge to ignite the explosive.

On Friday at 17:32 GMT, Plymouth City Council said residents could
return.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: "I think it is fair to say that the
last few days will go down in history for Plymouth."

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "I would like to express my
thanks to all our personnel involved in this highly complex
operation, who worked both night and day this week to keep the public
safe and minimise the risk of damage, as well as the public for their
patience and cooperation.

"The success of this operation is testament to the level of skill and
expertise across our armed forces, as well as the bravery and
fortitude of our personnel when faced with high-risk situations and
working under extreme pressure."

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