A potential explosive device was discovered near a city center, leading to the implementation of a 400-meter safety cordon by the police in the Millbay area of Plymouth today. The suspected ordnance was unearthed at a construction site on Martin Street, prompting the evacuation of a school and hotel. Residents within the designated cordon area were advised to vacate their homes as experts from the Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team worked on the buried object, which was approximately five meters underground.
Due to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the cordon throughout the night, further updates are paused. For real-time news coverage, please visit our website. Millbay Academy has confirmed its closure for the following day, shifting to remote learning in response to the situation.
The local council emphasized the significance of the incident, maintaining a 100-meter secure cordon around the construction site and implementing an additional 400-meter ‘line of sight’ cordon for certain residences along Millbay Road. While evacuation is not mandatory, residents in these properties are strongly advised to seek alternative accommodation for their safety. The Council has established an Evacuation Assembly Point at Plymouth Cathedral for those needing assistance or temporary shelter.
Parents were informed that Millbay Academy might remain closed the next day, with updates to be provided accordingly. Specialist teams are diligently assessing the discovered explosive to devise a safe disposal plan. The Moxy Hotel adjacent to the site has been evacuated, and vehicles within the cordon area, including those at the Brunel Car Park, are inaccessible until the cordon is lifted.
The team responsible for locating the ordnance detailed the discovery process, which involved a controlled excavation to uncover the object buried 4.3 meters below ground level. Further assessment and disposal decisions will be made by the Navy EOD team. Large sandbags have been brought to the location of the device.
Millbay Academy expressed gratitude for the community’s cooperation and support during the emergency. Updates will be communicated directly to parents and carers via email and the Arbor app. Plymouth Live reporter Carl Eve reported on the scene, describing the road closures, evacuations, and presence of emergency response teams.
Devon and Cornwall Police reported the incident, urging people to avoid the area while efforts are made to secure the suspected ordnance. The situation remains ongoing as authorities work to ensure public safety.