(Plymouth, January 14, 2026) – A section of a building site in Plymouth, England, has been cordoned off after a suspected piece of ordnance was discovered, police said.
Police have closed off a 100-meter section of a Plymouth construction site after the discovery of a suspected bomb.
- Devon and Cornwall Police closed off 100 meters of a building site in Martin Street, Plymouth.
- The area was closed after reports of a suspected ordnance were received at 11:40 GMT.
- The Royal Navy’s Devonport-based bomb disposal team, Bravo Squadron, has been dispatched to the scene.
Devon and Cornwall Police responded to reports of a suspected ordnance found at a building site on Martin Street in Plymouth at 11:40 GMT, according to a police statement.A 100-meter (328-foot) section of the site has been closed off as a precaution.
Did you know? – Unexploded ordnance can remain dangerous for decades, even centuries, after conflicts end. Construction work frequently uncovers such items.
The Royal Navy confirmed that its bomb disposal team, Bravo Squadron, based in Devonport, has been sent to the location, police said.
A police spokesperson stated that the incident is ongoing and urged people to avoid the area while authorities work to identify the object and make it safe.
“People have been asked to avoid the area while attempts were made to identify the ordnance and make it safe,” a police spokesperson said.
At approximately 3:00 PM GMT, authorities confirmed the ordnance was a World War II-era mortar shell. Bravo Squadron successfully neutralized the device with a controlled detonation. The 100-meter cordon remained in place during the operation to ensure public safety.
Pro tip – If you discover a suspected bomb or ordnance, do not touch it. Immediately contact local authorities and provide them with the location and any details you can observe.
The all-clear was given at 4:15 PM GMT, and the building site was reopened. No injuries were reported. The discovery caused minor disruptions to local traffic, but no major delays. Police thanked the public for their cooperation during the incident.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by various news outlets and added independent analysis and context.
