- More than 300 homes are being evacuated after an unexploded Second World War bomb was found in the water near Falmouth Docks in Cornwall.
- The exclusion zone has been expanded from an initial 300m (984ft) to 755m (2,477ft), with an estimated 339 households to be evacuated.
- Train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks will be suspended from 08:45 BST, with no trains or replacement buses operating between the two stations.
- Cornwall Council has prepared reception centres and urged residents to visit All Saints Church on Killigrew Street, TR11 3PN, with evacuation beginning at 09:00 BST.
- Police have set up a 750-metre cordon and a bomb disposal team are on the scene.
- Superintendent Vicky Howell, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said the cordon around Falmouth Docks had been extended.
- She urged people to avoid the area and follow emergency services' instructions.
- Cornwall councillor Laurie Mcgowan expressed confidence in the planning and cooperation, thanking emergency services for their "first class" response.
More than 300 homes in Falmouth, Cornwall, are under evacuation orders following the discovery of a 250kg unexploded World War II bomb in the water near Falmouth Docks. The bomb, believed to be an American air-dropped device, was found on Monday at 09:15 BST.147
A 755m (2,480ft) cordon has been established, expanding from an initial 300m exclusion zone. Superintendent Vicky Howell from Devon and Cornwall Police stated, “Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers are on the scene and we are working closely with our partner agencies to manage the incident safely.” Residents are urged to evacuate by 09:00 BST to ensure safety during the bomb disposal operation.5
Cornwall Council has set up reception centres for evacuees, with All Saints Church designated as a support location. Councillor Laurie McGowan expressed confidence in the operation, stating, “Everyone's prepared, well-organised and looking forward to making sure this operation goes smoothly today.” Train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks will be suspended, with operations expected to resume once the bomb is safely removed.9
As the situation develops, police continue to advise residents to follow emergency services' instructions and stay clear of the area.8
“The exclusion zone was expanded from 300m to 755m, affecting an estimated 339 households, with evacuation beginning at 09:00 BST. Train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks are suspended from 08:45 BST, and residents are directed to All Saints Church for support.”
BBC
