Council Offices Evacuated as Suspected WW2 Mortar Shell Dropped at Counter
A major security incident unfolded in Epsom today when a member of the public walked into the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council offices with what is believed to be an unexploded World War Two mortar shell. Surrey Police swiftly responded, establishing a 100-metre cordon around the area and evacuating all staff from the building, along with residents from nearby homes.
Police Response and Cordon Implementation
At approximately 11 am, Surrey Police issued a statement confirming the incident. A spokesperson detailed that the suspected WW2 device had been left at the front counter of the council offices on The Parade. The bomb disposal team was immediately dispatched to the scene, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area while they managed the situation.
The police emphasised their hope for a swift resolution, thanking those affected for their patience and cooperation during the evacuation process.
Removal of the Device and Cordon Lifting
In a subsequent update, Surrey Police announced that the mortar shell had been safely removed from the council offices. Following this successful operation, the cordon was lifted, allowing residents to return to their homes and the town centre to fully reopen. The police reiterated their gratitude to the community for their understanding during the disruption.
Context of WW2 Bomb Discoveries in the UK
This incident highlights a surprisingly common occurrence in the United Kingdom. Since 2010, the Ministry of Defence has dealt with an average of about 60 German bombs each year. While large, headline-making devices are less frequent, smaller explosives like grenades and mortar shells are regularly unearthed, often on construction sites, in rivers, or during coastal redevelopment projects.
For instance, in January of this year, two unexploded WW2 bombs were discovered in Plymouth and Exmouth within hours of each other. These devices led to significant evacuations, including a 600-metre cordon in Exmouth, and were later safely disposed of at sea. Devon and Cornwall Police praised the bravery and expertise of Royal Navy and army bomb disposal teams in handling those incidents.
What Is a Mortar Shell?
A mortar shell is a specialised explosive projectile designed to be fired from a mortar weapon. These fin-stabilised rounds are loaded from the muzzle and travel in high, arching trajectories, making them effective for short-range, indirect fire support. They typically contain a fuse, high explosive filler, and tail-mounted propelling charges.
In the Epsom case, the device was identified as such and handled by experts to ensure public safety.
Impact on Local Community
The evacuation caused temporary disruption for council staff and local residents, with uncertainty initially about when they could return to their workplaces and homes. However, the efficient response from Surrey Police and the bomb disposal team minimised the duration of the incident, allowing normal activities to resume promptly after the device was secured.
This event serves as a reminder of the lingering dangers from historical conflicts and the importance of professional handling when such items are discovered.
