Major Security Alert in Plymouth City Centre
A significant security operation is currently unfolding in Plymouth after the discovery of a suspected unexploded bomb. The incident has led to a full lockdown of the immediate area, with emergency services rushing to the scene.
The alarm was raised on Wednesday 14 January after construction workers on a building site made the concerning find. The location has been confirmed as Martin Street in the Millbay area, close to the heart of the city.
Police Statement and Immediate Action
Devon and Cornwall Police were alerted to the potential danger at 11.40am. A force spokesperson provided a detailed statement on the ongoing incident.
The spokesperson confirmed: "We were called following a report of a suspected ordnance being found at a building site in Martin Street, Plymouth. A 100 metre cordon and associated road closures are currently in place."
Authorities have acted swiftly to ensure public safety. The primary focus is on identifying the object and rendering it safe, a process that requires specialist explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams.
Public Urged to Avoid the Area
The police have issued a direct plea to local residents and the general public. People are being asked to strictly avoid the Millbay area while the delicate operation is carried out.
The establishment of the substantial 100-metre safety cordon has necessitated several road closures, causing significant disruption to traffic and local business activity. The exact boundaries of the lockdown have not been publicly detailed for operational security reasons.
This is a developing situation, and the incident remains ongoing. Officials have not provided an estimated timeframe for when the cordon might be lifted, stating that public safety is the absolute priority. Further updates are expected as the army's bomb disposal experts assess the scene.
