Controlled explosion of WW2 bomb in Exeter so powerful - it threw debris onto roofs
Some residents have spent a THIRD night away from home while experts carry out extensive safety assessment work
Some residents have spent a THIRD night away from home after the controlled explosion of a WW2 bomb in Exeter.
More than 2,500 properties were evacuated after the discovery on a building site on Friday morning.
Those people living within the 400m cordon were allowed to return home on Sunday 28th February.
However, those living within the 100m exclusion zone were told to stay away until at least Monday.
The 1000kg 'Hermann bomb' was detonated in a controlled explosion on Saturday evening.
Police have described the impact of the blast, which threw debris at least 250m away and left a crater the size of a double-decker bus, as significant.
Extensive and crucial safety assessment work has been ongoing since its detonation by multiple partner agencies.
This included the use of a crane to remove large pieces of metal, which had formed part of the Ministry of Defence's mitigation structure surrounding the bomb, from nearby roofs.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Fencing has been erected around the 100-metre exclusion zone which includes Glenthorne Road - where the bomb was located - Cowley View, Jefford House and Charleston House.
"Exeter City Council is making direct contact with residents who live within the exclusion zone and cannot return home tonight (Sunday), who they are already in contact with, i.e. because they've arranged hotel accommodation for them.
"Any residents within the exclusion zone who are not in contact with the council should make contact via the helpline, 0345 155 1015 which is open until 7pm this evening (Sunday), or from 9am in the morning (Monday 1st March)".
Police added: "Exeter University is communicating directly with its 1,400 halls of residence students who have been evacuated. Students have been informed that they are not returning today (Sunday).
"Any Livewest customers are asked to contact Livewest prior to returning to their homes on, 0300 123 8080.
"The operation pre and post detonation involved dozens of volunteers including from Dartmoor Search and Rescue, the Coastguard, Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response and others.
"Police, Devon County Council and Exeter City Council would like to acknowledge the impact the incident has had on evacuated residents and the wider community and thank everyone impacted for their patience and understanding".
Devon and Cornwall Police
You can watch the moment the bomb was detonated here...
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