Major incident is declared and hundreds of homes are evacuated after unexploded World War II bomb is found in Great Yarmouth
- A major incident has been declared in Great Yarmouth after device was found
- Army specialists have moved into the area with a 400metre cordon also in place
- Residents have been strongly advised by authorities to evacuate as a precaution
- Rest centres have been set up for locals and several roads set to remain closed
A major incident has been declared with roads completely cut off and residents advised to evacuate their homes in Norfolk after a suspected unexploded World War Two device was found on Tuesday.
Army specialists have been moved into the area where a 400metre cordon has been put in place after the device was found on Tuesday near Southtown Road in Great Yarmouth.
Several road closures remain in place and local residents have been strongly advised to evacuate as a precaution. Locals have been advised the the disruption is expected to continue on Wednesday, with the cordon expected to remain in place for another 24 hours.
Hundreds of homes have been evacuated after the device was found in the River Ware. Rest centres have been set up in the area for those affected by the evacuation advice.
Images shared online show police vehicles and cordons blocking off a section of road.
A 400metre cordon has been put in place after the device was found on Tuesday near Southtown Road
According to Norfolk Constabulary, the Explosion Ordnance Device team are on site attempting to safely resolve the incident
One image shows what appears to be the device placed on the ground next to the river. It appears to be a cylindrical shape with a tail at the back
The rest centres are in St Georges Theatre on King Street, and Mesh – Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre, on Magdalen Way, Gorleston.
Road closures are in place on:
- Southtown Road – closed from its junction with Tollgate Road all the way to Beccles Road.
- Litchfield Road, off Southtown Road, is partially closed.
- Williams Adam Way, off Southtown Road, is closed.
- Boundary Road, off Southtown Road, is partially closed.
- Tollgate Road, off Southtown Road, is closed.
One image shows what appears to be the device placed on the ground next to the river. It appears to be a cylindrical shape with a tail at the back.
According to Norfolk County Council, the device was found by a construction site worker carrying out dredging work.
‘The site team found what they believed to be an unexploded device this morning while excavating in the vicinity of bollard quay,’ a spokesperson said.
‘They immediately evacuated the area and called the emergency services. Site workers made the discovery while excavating in the area of Bollard Quay.’
The council added that the contractor was working on the third river crossing.
According to Norfolk Constabulary, the Explosion Ordnance Device team are on site attempting to safely resolve the incident.
Local policing commander Chief Inspector Matt Dyson said: ‘Our priority will always be the safety of the public and we’re working alongside our partners and taking advice from army experts around cordons while work continues to safely resolve the incident.
‘We appreciate the measures put in place for people’s safety will cause some disruption however public safety is paramount and we would advise people these restrictions will be in place overnight and into tomorrow.
‘Rest centres have been opened and officers along with staff from the borough council are visiting homes to check and identify any vulnerable people who need assistance.’
Officers are asking pedestrians and motorists to avoid the area where possible, and have advised that residents should prepare for the safety measures to be in place until the device is removed safely.
An emergency helpline has been set-up for people who require assistance with evacuation from the exclusion zone.
The number, 01493 330369, should not be used for general advice.
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