Thousands evacuated in Exeter as work continues on Second World War bomb

Thousands of residents in Exeter have been evacuated from their homes amid a plan to safely detonate a Second World War bomb.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said a controlled detonation was expected to take place by Saturday evening.

A force spokesman said: “The time of the explosion is yet to be confirmed.

“After the detonation, assessments will be conducted by the various utility companies prior to residents returning, but it is anticipated that the majority of residents will be able to return home this evening.”

Earlier they put a 400-metre cordon in place with 2,600 properties evacuated for the examination of the device which was found on Glenthorne Road on Friday morning.

The device was found on a building site on private land to the west of the University of Exeter campus.

Road closures have been put in place between Cowley Bridge and Exe Bridges, with diversions in place and motorists advised to avoid the area.

The force spokesman added: “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.”

The university said in a statement on Twitter affected students were “temporarily relocated to hotels in the city”.