Hundreds forced to leave homes after suspected World War Two bomb discovered in Falmouth

More than 300 homes are being evacuated in Cornwall following the discovery of a suspected unexploded World War Two bomb off the coast.

The item, believed to be a 250kg American munition, was located in waters near Falmouth Docks on Monday.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council have established a 750-metre exclusion zone, urging all local residents to leave.

A military Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is assessing the device. Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council said they expect the bomb to be taken out to sea for a controlled explosion.

Superintendent Vicky Howell said: “We have extended the cordon around Falmouth Docks following the discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance device.

“Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers are on the scene and we are working closely with our partner agencies to manage the incident safely.

“We would like to thank local residents, businesses and members of the public for their patience and cooperation while this incident is ongoing.

“We ask people to continue avoiding the area and to follow any instructions given by emergency services personnel.”

The proposed evacuation procedure is set to begin at 9am on Wednesday, with 339 homes falling within the cordon.

Residents are advised to follow police instructions, leave the evacuation area and must not enter the cordoned area.

Emergency services will not allow people back into the zone until it is confirmed to be safe, Cornwall Council shared.

GWR has said it will suspend train services between Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks from 8.45am, with no trains or replacement bus services able to operate between the two Falmouth stations.

A GWR spokesperson said: "Due to the nature of the incident, it is not possible to provide replacement road transport or use local bus routes, which will also be affected."

They added: “We will be in regular contact with the emergency services, once the device has been safely removed and the cordon lifted train services between the two Falmouth stations will resume.

“It is expected that disruption will continue until the end of the day, Wednesday 23 September, however this may change if the extended cordon has to remain in place for longer.”