Devon & Cornwall Police: Evacuations in Exmouth and Plymouth due to Bomb Incidents (2026)

Evacuations in Exmouth and Plymouth as bomb teams tackle two incidents

1. Plymouth's Martin Street Evacuation:

   • Devon & Cornwall Police urge residents to stay away from Martin Street and nearby roads due to a 100m cordon after an unexploded WW2 bomb was found.
   • Millbay Academy, Ballard House, and the Moxy Hotel are closed until the operation is complete.
   • Bomb disposal experts and police paused disposal work overnight due to darkness and equipment needs, resuming on Thursday.

2. Exmouth's Impact:

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   • A 400m cordon was set up in Exmouth after an unexploded wartime device was found during dredging.
   • East Devon District Council estimates 5,000 people and 2,000 properties are affected, requiring evacuation.
   • Some residents are staying at the town's leisure center, while others are housed in an Exeter hotel.
   • The local authority advises avoiding the marina area until further notice.

3. Separate Discoveries:

   • Two suspected unexploded ordinance were found in Devon on Wednesday.
   • One was a 50kg German WW2 bomb discovered on Martin Street in Plymouth.
   • The other was dredged from Exmouth Marina, with bomb disposal teams sent to both sites.
   • Cordons are in place, and police have closed roads, urging people to avoid the areas.

4. Support for Residents:

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   • East Devon District Council provided overnight accommodation for Exmouth residents, with about 35 staying at the leisure center and 30 at an Exeter hotel.
   • The Millbay Academy, with over 500 pupils, was evacuated and remains closed on Thursday.

5. Royal Navy's Role:

   • The Royal Navy's Devonport-based bomb disposal team is assisting in Plymouth.
   • A unit from the Midlands is deployed in Exmouth, where a suspected unexploded ordnance was found.
   • Bomb disposal experts are assessing the devices to determine the safest disposal methods.

6. Evacuation Updates:

   • Residents of evacuated properties along Millbay Road in Plymouth may return home on Wednesday evening but may need to leave again on Thursday for disposal work.
   • A 100m firm cordon remained in place overnight in both locations.

7. Community Response:

   • The local authorities and bomb disposal teams are working to ensure public safety and address the incidents efficiently.
   • Residents are urged to follow instructions and avoid affected areas to facilitate the operation.