Unexploded German WWII bomb found in Plymouth made safe

Emergency services and Ministry of Defence officials are at Notte Street

A German World War II bomb found in Plymouth City Centre has been moved and a 300m exclusion zone lifted.

Workmen discovered the partially-buried device at a building site in Notte Street at about 1540 GMT.

Neighbouring buildings were evacuated and a cordon was put in place but residents have been allowed home.

The Ministry of Defence said the unexploded device, which is 18in (45cm) long, would be taken to Millbay Docks to be detonated in deep water.

The Holiday Inn and Duke of Cornwall hotels were evacuated and an estimated 190 people were taken to Plymouth Pavilions sports centre.

'Bomb kept underwater'

The area where the bomb was found is on the edge of the city centre and there are some blocks of flats nearby.

Plymouth City Council said in a statement: "A German wartime bomb has been made safe and removed from Plymouth City Centre by an MoD Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

"A 300 metre exclusion zone around the demolition site in Notte Street where the bomb was found earlier today has now been opened and residents are being allowed home...

"The 70kg German wartime bomb was stabilised by the MoD Explosive Ordnance Disposal team before being moved to Millbay and taken off shore.

"The bomb will be kept underwater at sea overnight before being disposed of [on Friday]."