'Covid safety is being considered' as wartime bomb evacuation area extended
More than 2,000 properties have been evacuated after a large wartime bomb was found yesterday
Last updated 27th Feb 2021
It was unearthed during building works at a site next to the university,.
Overnight the cordon was 100 metres, but that has been extended to 400 covering a large residential area.
Around 2,600 properties are affected as the Army starts examining the device.
"A 400-metre cordon is in place and around 2,600 properties have been evacuated in preparation for the examination of a possible unexploded World War Two device, which was located at a site on Glenthorne Road, Exeter, yesterday, Friday 26 February."The device was located on a building site on private land to the west of the University of Exeter campus.
"An initial 100-metre cordon was erected and the evacuation commenced yesterday evening and continued this morning at the request of the Royal Navy bomb disposal team who worked through the night to establish a walled mitigation structure.
"The examination and detonation of the device has been passed to the Army.
"Examination of the device is due to commence at 10am and could take several hours. Police hope this work will be completed by the end of today, Saturday 27 February, but will be guided by the bomb disposal team.
"Devon County Council, as the highways authority, has implemented road closures between Cowley Bridge and Exe Bridges, and diversions, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
"Updates will be provided through Devon and Cornwall Police’s Twitter and Facebook pages and website and in local media.
"Residents should be reassured that military, police and partners are working to maintain public safety.
"Exemptions in COVID-19 social distancing rules exist for matters of public safety such as this."
Devon & Cornwall Police
A joint statement from police and Devon County Council added: "You will need to stay away while the Royal Navy bomb disposal team work to make the device safe. We hope this work will be completed by the end of the day on Saturday but will be guided by the bomb disposal experts.
"Please take an overnight bag and any medication with you, and any pets needing your care over the weekend in case the work takes longer than expected. Please also ensure you take a face covering with you when you leave.
"Our request for you to leave your home may cause you some concern in relation to COVID-19 regulations. Be reassured that exemptions in the rules do exist for matters of public safety such as this, and you are allowed to stay with friends or family in this circumstance, unless you are COVID-19 positive or self-isolating.
"If you are unable or worried to leave your property because you are COVID-19 positive, self-isolating, clinically vulnerable, or clinically extremely vulnerable you can contact Devon County Council on the following number 0345 155 1015 for advice on accommodation and other support. This line will be open from 8am on Saturday 27 February.
"Anyone who is clinically vulnerable, clinically extremely vulnerable, self-isolating, COVID-19 positive or displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should wear a face covering or face mask and avoid contact with other people.
"Please do all you can to ensure that you minimise any risk to others. Wash your hands regularly, use a face covering and keep your distance from those not in your household, where you can. "