Two unexploded bombs from the Second World War have been successfully destroyed at sea following a major security operation that saw thousands of residents evacuated from their homes in Devon.
Major Incidents Trigger Mass Evacuations
The devices were discovered within hours of each other on Wednesday, 17 January 2026. The first was unearthed at a construction site in Plymouth city centre, while the second was found later the same day at Exmouth Marina. The simultaneous discoveries prompted Devon and Cornwall Police to declare two major incidents.
Authorities established a large 400-metre cordon around each device, which was later extended to 600 metres in Exmouth as a precaution. This safety measure led to the evacuation of a large number of residents from approximately 2,500 homes while military bomb disposal experts assessed the situation.
A Delicate Operation at Sea
In the early hours of Friday, 19 January 2026, after careful planning, the bombs were transported out to sea for safe disposal. Video footage captured the moment military experts removed one of the unexploded devices from a trawler at Exmouth Marina before taking it offshore.
The complex operation involved personnel from the Royal Navy and the Army's bomb disposal units. Devon and Cornwall's Chief Constable, James Vaughan, praised their "exceptional bravery and skills" in handling the volatile ordnance.
Community and Partnership Praised
Chief Constable Vaughan and Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez visited the command centre at Exmouth Lifeboat station to thank staff, volunteers, and military personnel involved in the resolution.
"We were overwhelmed by the strength of the partnership and community response to the incident," Mr Vaughan stated. He extended his gratitude to every member of staff from all agencies for their role in bringing the dangerous situation to a safe conclusion.
Commissioner Hernandez highlighted the professionalism on display, noting, "The calmness I witnessed from the police team when they were managing the logistics around the extension of the cordon was exemplary."
The Chief Constable described the week as one of "significant demand" for emergency services, but the successful outcome underscored the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in responding to historic threats that still pose a risk today.
