Evacuated Falmouth residents to return home after unexploded WWII device taken to sea

Households have been allowed back into their properties following the removal of an unexploded World War Two bomb.

More than 300 homes were evacuated when the 250lb US-made ordnance was discovered in water near Falmouth Docks in Cornwall on Monday.

The 750-metre cordon was stood down after military bomb disposal experts extracted the item. It will now be destroyed far out to sea in deep water.

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for public safety, said: “This is the news everyone wanted to hear. The device has been safely removed, the cordon has been lifted, and residents can now return to their homes.

“I want to thank the military specialists, emergency services, council teams, partner organisations and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep people safe and support those affected.

“I also want to thank residents and businesses for their patience, throughout what has been a worrying and disruptive time.”

Superintendent Ian Thompson, policing commander for West Cornwall, said: “We’d like to thank the Falmouth community for your patience during what we know has been a difficult few days.

“Safety of residents has always been the highest priority for police, Cornwall Council, the military and other partners.

“Working with our partners, we have today managed a large-scale evacuation involving some 336 households.

“Military bomb disposal experts have shown tremendous skill and bravery in making this ordnance safe.

“Staff from all agencies have played an important role in bringing this matter to a safe conclusion.”

The evacuation procedure started at 9am on Wednesday, with 339 homes within the cordon. Residents were advised to follow police instructions, leave the evacuation area, and were ordered not to enter the cordoned area.

GWR suspended train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Dock, with no trains or replacement bus services able to operate between the two Falmouth stations. An update on Wednesday afternoon states services will resume from 5.50pm.

A GWR spokesperson said: "The police had a safety cordon to allow for the safe removal of the device. This prevented us from serving Falmouth Docks earlier and we ran a reduced service.

“The bomb has been moved out to sea and the cordon is being lifted.”