Plymouth bomb safely detonated at sea

A World War Two bomb found in a Plymouth garden has been safely detonated at sea.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the device had been "detonated successfully at 9:51pm."

It follows what the MoD described as "one of the largest UK peacetime evacuation operations" to move the unexploded device, which weighed 500kg, from the garden of a property in St Michael Avenue in Keyham.

Around 10,000 people were evacuated from their homes on Friday afternoon as a cordon was put in place around the route the bomb was travelling.

Roads were closed, and rail and ferry services were also suspended as the operation took place.

More than 100 army and navy personnel helped move the device to Torpoint, where it was moved into the waters.

'Last few days will go down in history for Plymouth'

The unexploded device was first discovered in a garden on Tuesday afternoon.

3000 people in Keyham were initially evacuated, with many temporarily staying in the Plymouth Life Centre as bomb disposal experts assessed how best to remove the device.

All residents were able to return home at 5:21pm after the device was moved to Torpoint.

People across Plymouth have been thanked for their co-operation whilst the evacuation took place.

Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans said that "the last few days will go down in history for Plymouth."

He thanked people living in Keyham, Ford and Devonport for "helping the emergency team in evacuating and supporting our effort to protect their home."

And he thanked military personnel for their help, saying "this is a first-class example of why our armed forces are the best in the world."

Plymouth Devonport's MP Luke Pollard also thanked residents on X, praising the "extraordinary team effort."

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps also thanked the military personnel involved, saying the operation's success was "testament to the level of skill and expertise across our Armed Forces."

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