A 100-metre cordon was put in place in Plymouth after a 'bomb-shaped object' was discovered near a quarry, but it was lifted several hours later when the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit confirmed it was not a bomb.
Incident Details
Devon and Cornwall Police were called at around 12:30 PM on Monday to a report that contractors had found an 'unknown device' at Colesdown Hill in Plymstock. As a precaution, officers established a 100-metre cordon and set up local diversions, closing the Billacombe Road roundabout at the junction with Stentaway Road.
EOD Response
A Royal Navy spokesperson stated that the EOD team assessed the object and confirmed it was not a bomb. The bomb disposal squad subsequently left the site. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson added: 'We can confirm that a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from DTXG B Sqn responded to an address in Plymstock, Plymouth following a request from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. The item was identified as a non-ammunition item and removed from the scene for subsequent destruction.'
Road Closures and Local Impact
Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported that the A379 Elburton Road was closed in both directions, with queueing traffic from Southernway to Stentaway Road. GT Motorcycles 2012 Limited announced on Facebook that their premises would be closed until further notice due to the 'potential WW2 bomb found across the road by the quarry.' Schools in the area sent letters to parents informing them of the suspected unexploded WW2 bomb.
Historical Context
Plymouth was one of the most heavily bombed British cities during World War Two, with over 50 air raids between 1941 and 1944 killing about 1,178 civilians. Official records estimate that at least 2,820 bombs were dropped on the city, with around 10 per cent failing to detonate, leaving unexploded ordnance across the area. This history explains why such discoveries are relatively common in Plymouth.
Cordon Lifted
By 6:53 PM, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the cordon had been lifted. A force spokesperson said: 'Police were notified at around 12:30 PM today to a report of an unknown device being located by contractors at Colesdown Hill in Plymstock. Officers informed the EOD who attended and confirmed the device was not an ordnance. As a precaution, a 100-metre cordon was put in place which has since been removed.'
