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Over 10,000 residents were evacuated as a WWII bomb was successfully removed and detonated at sea, marking one of the UK's largest peacetime evacuations.

Members of HM Coastguard Search and Rescue gather after homes were evacuated when a suspected WWII explosive device was discovered.
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A military vehicle at the scene near St Michael Avenue, Plymouth, where residents have been evacuated and a cordon put in place following the discovery of a suspected Second World War explosive device. Picture date: Friday February 23, 2024. (Photo by Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • More than 10,000 people were evacuated from Plymouth as a WWII bomb was discovered and safely disposed of at sea.
  • The bomb, weighing 500kg, was found in a garden in the Keyham area, prompting a major incident declaration.
  • A 300-metre cordon was established, affecting 1,219 properties and approximately 3,250 people.
  • The UK government's severe alert system was used for the first time in a real emergency to notify residents.
  • The operation involved over 1,000 professionals, including military personnel, and was described as one of the largest UK peacetime evacuations since WWII.