First people return home after explosion of Wartime bomb in Exeter
Safety concerns meant some people had to spend a third night in hotels
Last updated 1st Mar 2021
Some residents who were evacuated while a World War Two bomb was detonated have been allowed to return home.
Those living within the 400-metre cordon could return yesterday evening (Sunday 28 February), but safety concerns mean those living within the 100-metre exclusion zone had to spend a third night other accommodation.
The 1,000kg ‘Hermann bomb’ was detonated at 6.10pm on Saturday night.
Devon and Cornwall Police say 'extensive and crucial safety assessment work has been ongoing since'.
A spokesperson from the force said:
"Residents outside of 100-metre exclusion zone can return home as of 6pm on Sunday 28 February.
"Those who live within the 100-metre cordon/exclusion zone however, cannot return home.
"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.
"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 have already made contact with residents who live within the exclusion zone who were unable to return home.
Exeter University has also been communicating with its 1,400 halls of residence students who were evacuated, after the police confirmed they would not be able to return.
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 say they 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.