Thousands of residents in Devon have been forced from their homes after the discovery of suspected Second World War explosives in two separate coastal towns. Emergency services and bomb disposal teams are working to make the dangerous devices safe, with significant disruption expected to continue.
Exmouth Marina Sees Major Evacuation
In Exmouth, a major incident was declared after a suspected unexploded ordnance was dredged from the water near the marina. Authorities established a substantial 400-metre cordon around the area, leading to the evacuation of approximately 5,000 people from 2,000 properties.
Work to neutralise the device continued through Thursday, 15 January 2026, with residents warned they may need to stay in temporary accommodation for a second night. The ongoing operation has caused widespread disruption in the popular seaside town.
Plymouth Building Site Uncovers Luftwaffe Bomb
In a separate incident in Plymouth, a Luftwaffe SC50 general-purpose bomb from the Second World War was unearthed at a building site in the Millbay area. An initial 100-metre cordon was put in place, requiring immediate evacuations.
Royal Navy bomb disposal experts were called to the scene but were forced to pause operations overnight due to limited daylight and the need for specialised equipment. Work is scheduled to resume on Thursday to render the historic bomb safe, with officials noting that further evacuations may be necessary.
Ongoing Impact and Historical Legacy
The simultaneous discoveries highlight the enduring legacy of the Second World War on the UK's coastline. Both Devon towns, which were key locations during the conflict, now face the complex and dangerous task of dealing with this hidden wartime heritage.
The priority for all services remains public safety. Officials are urging evacuated residents to follow official advice and await confirmation that it is safe to return to their homes. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the unexploded bombs that still lie dormant across the country decades after the war ended.
