Staff and residents were evacuated from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council offices after a member of the public left a suspected World War Two mortar shell at the front counter. A 100-metre cordon was put in place, and bomb disposal experts were called to the scene on The Parade.
Surrey Police confirmed the mortar shell was safely removed and the cordon was lifted at midday. Residents were allowed to return to their homes, and the town centre fully reopened. The force thanked the public for their patience and cooperation.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of unexploded ordnance discoveries in the UK. The Ministry of Defence has dealt with roughly 60 German bombs annually since 2010. Smaller devices, including mortar shells and grenades, are regularly found on construction sites, in rivers, and during coastal redevelopment.
In January, two unexploded WW2 bombs were discovered in Plymouth and Exmouth within hours of each other, triggering major incidents and evacuations. Those devices were taken out to sea for safe disposal. Devon and Cornwall Police praised the bravery and skills of bomb disposal experts.
