Cordon stays in place after suspected WW2-era 250kg bomb found in Falmouth

A police cordon remains in place around dock areas in Falmouth, England, after the suspected discovery of an unexploded wartime device.

Superintendent Vicky Howell said on Monday that the item is believed to be an American-made bomb weighing around 250kg, dating from World War Two. The cordon around Falmouth Docks was extended the previous afternoon following the discovery of the suspected unexploded ordnance.

Police have urged residents to keep avoiding the area and to follow any instructions issued by emergency services personnel on the scene.

Local reaction

Laurie Mcgowan, the Falmouth Town Council member for the Arwenack ward, told BBC Radio Cornwall that a large number of people had been affected by the situation, while praising the authorities' handling of the incident.

Mcgowan said it was not an everyday occurrence to learn that an unexploded device was located within one's ward, adding that this was likely especially unsettling for residents living close to the site. He said the next decision — whether the device would be removed for disposal elsewhere or whether a controlled explosion would need to be carried out on site — would be telling in terms of how authorities plan to proceed.

He added that he was staying in contact with officials to learn about next steps, and thanked residents for their patience and sensitivity while they wait for the situation to be resolved.