Homes evacuated over ordnance fear, with 400m cordon

7 minutes ago

Jonathan MorrisSouth West

News image — A cordon has been placed around the building site in the area of Flamborough Road

BBC A residential street that has been cordoned off by police. In the foreground, there is a red and white traffic cone with blue and white tape stretched across it, clearly marked with the word “POLICE”. Behind the tape, at least two marked police vehicles are parked on the road, with one facing towards the camera and another further down the street. — A cordon has been placed around the building site in the area of Flamborough Road

A police cordon at a building site has been extended from 200m (656ft) to 400m (1312.34ft) after reports of a suspected ordnance.

Plymouth City Council said the cordon was extended following advice from military bomb disposal experts to "allow specialist teams to continue their work safely".

Devon and Cornwall Police previously said the cordon was in at Flamborough Road, in the Southway area of Plymouth, Devon, after reports were received at about 14:30 BST.

The force added: "Officers are knocking on any impacted properties and we are working with partners to convene plans for any displaced residents. Please do not travel into or attend this area."

'Worrying situation'

Plymouth City Council said it did not know how long the cordon would remain in place and it would depend on the "outcome of the specialist assessment".

It said people were encouraged to make arrangements to stay with friends or family for the next two nights.

The council said: "Residents within the expanded cordon are now being asked to temporarily leave their homes.

"The Police, with support from partner agencies are in the area to speak directly with affected residents and ensure they have the support they need."

The council advised residents take essential items with them, including medication, medical equipment, items needed for babies and children, chargers or power packs, important documents and food or supplies for pets.

It added anyone who was unable to do so should go to the evacuation centre at Southway Youth and Community Centre in Hendwell Close, where council staff were available to provide information, practical help and wellbeing support.

The council said it appreciated this was a "worrying situation and we thank residents for their patience and cooperation".

Plymouth City Council A map showing a residential area with streets, housing blocks, schools, and green spaces clearly marked. At the centre is a white diamond symbol. Around that point is a large shaded circular area, coloured in light red and orange tones, indicating a defined radius or zone of interest. — People have been evacuated from their homes in the area

Plymouth City Council said the cordon was in place to "ensure the safety of local residents while specialist teams complete their assessment".

A spokesperson said: "The Royal Navy Explosives Ordnance Disposal team remains on site and the situation is being carefully managed.

"We would like to reassure the community that this is a precautionary measure and there is no immediate risk to the wider public.

"We are asking people to please avoid the area while this work continues."

The picture shows a road junction in a residential area that has been partially closed off. In the foreground there is a pedestrian barrier beside a pavement with a painted bicycle symbol on the tarmac. Several orange and white traffic cones are placed across the road, some connected with blue and white police tape to block traffic. — Roads have been closed in the area around Flamborough Road in Southway, Plymouth

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School closures

Schools have announced they would be closed on Thursday "due to an emergency situation with a suspected unexploded bomb within the vicinity of the school". They include: