A major police operation has resulted in nearly 100 homes being evacuated after construction workers unearthed an unexploded World War II bomb in Coventry. West Midlands Police ordered residents to vacate 96 properties following the discovery of the hazardous wartime device on a building site at Sandy Lane Business Park on Tuesday evening, June 3.
Discovery at Former Daimler Factory Site
The potentially lethal weapon was found at Sandy Lane Business Park, where 250 new homes are planned on the former site of the Daimler automotive factory. Officers confirmed the bomb was uncovered during building work in the Radford area at 2:55 PM on Tuesday. A substantial 100-metre exclusion zone has been established, and authorities expect the area may not be declared safe until the following morning.
Police Statement and Public Response
A statement from West Midlands Police said: "For the public's safety, a 100 metre cordon is in place which has resulted in 96 homes evacuated at this time and being supported by Coventry City Council where required. Work is ongoing with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts to assess the device, this is likely to continue throughout the evening and into tomorrow morning." The statement added: "We appreciate the co-operation of local residents, businesses and motorists as emergency services and EOD work through the safe disposal of the device."
Coventry Police posted on X: "Roads are closed this evening (Tue) around Sandy Lane Business Park, Radford, after the discovery of an unexploded WW2 bomb. A 100m cordon is in place during ongoing work with Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts to assess the device and work through its safe disposal."
Historical Context: Coventry Blitz
Responding to the police statement on social media, one resident wrote: "There are multiple buried UXB's (unexploded bombs) all over Coventry, and what worries me is they're over 80 years old now." Another commenter expressed gratitude to the police for keeping the public informed. Coventry suffered devastating Nazi bombing raids during the Second World War. The notorious Coventry Blitz took place on the night of 14th November, continuing into the early hours of 15th November, 1940. Hitler dispatched 515 bombers to strike the city, aiming to obliterate its wartime industrial base. The glow from the enormous fireball created by the catastrophic assault could reportedly be seen from as far as 100 miles away.
