A Plymouth community that has been gripped by fear since the discovery of a Second World War bomb four days ago has breathed a collective sigh of relief following its safe detonation at sea. The unexploded device was found in a garden on St Michael Avenue in Keyham on Tuesday, February 20.
It resulted in what has been described by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as one of the largest evacuation operations since the end of World War Two. The bomb was successfully detonated yesterday evening, February 23.
Huge praise and admiration have been given to the Royal Navy by Plymouth residents and officials and their bravery has been commended on X, formerly Twitter.
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Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard posted today: "The WW2 bomb found in Keyham has now been detonated at sea by Royal Navy. Thank you to everyone who has supported our community in #keyham over the past week. Extraordinary professionalism and generosity from every organisation. Thank you."
He added: "Thank you, Plymouth. This has been an extraordinary team effort.
"I want to pay tribute to all those who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to keep us safe - bomb disposal and additional military personnel, the council, volunteers, the police, the Life Centre and many more."
Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said: "A huge thank you and massive respect to all the police, coastguard, military, mountain rescue, Plymouth City Council staff and multiple volunteers who have worked around the clock to deal with this bomb in Keyham."
Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Supt Ian Drummond-Smith said yesterday: The bomb has gone to sea! Thank you to everyone for your patience and good spirits Amazing bravery by @BritishArmy @RoyalNavy and escorting officers from @DC_Police."
A local resident who saw the bomb being sailed out to sea said: "So small and slow, am utterly impressed by the bravery of those on board right now."
Yesterday, February 23, a temporary 300m (984ft) cordon was put in place to dispose of the bomb. A total of 10,320 people and 4,300 properties fell within the cordon.
Police closed roads and rail and bus services were stopped to transport the bomb to be disposed of at sea. The 1.4 miles journey through the city's streets from St Michael Avenue to Torpoint Ferry slipway saw a military vehicle transporting the bomb.
The cordon was lifted just after 5.30pm and the MOD later confirmed the bomb was successfully detonated at 9.51pm after being taken to a depth of at least 14 metres. A diver is said to have placed a donor charge on the bomb to ignite the explosive.
