Homes evacuated as bomb squad deal with Second World War device

Homes in Warwickshire have been evacuated ahead of the controlled explosion of a Second World War bomb. Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attached to the British Army were drafted in by Warwickshire[1] Police after the bomb was found in fields off Rugby[2] Road near Cubbington.

Members of the EOD team have ordered the evacuation of a number of homes in the area while they safely detonate the device, understood to have been found by HS2 excavators very on Thursday (May 18) afternoon. A Warwickshire Police[3] spokesperson said: "Shortly before 4.30pm yesterday officers responded to a report of a historic device being found in a field off Rugby Road in Cubbington.

"Officers attended and notified the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team who assessed the device. The EOD team has returned this morning and will carry out a controlled explosion in due course.

"A small number of homes nearby have been evacuated while the device is disposed of safely." The bomb was located in fields backing on to Cubbington CofE Primary School though the school is not being evacuated, CoventryLive understands.

The 11 EOD and Search Regiment Royal Logistic Corps is the British Army's specialist unit responsible for improvised explosive device and conventional munitions disposal. The Regiment also inspect and licence ammunition storage and enforce explosives safety regulations.

More on this story can be found on our live blog.[5]

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References

  1. ^ Warwickshire (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
  2. ^ Rugby (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
  3. ^ Warwickshire Police (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
  4. ^ Tenants in too-large council homes in Nuneaton and Bedworth to be offered cash to downsize (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
  5. ^ live blog. (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
  6. ^ Coventry (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
  7. ^ here (data.reachplc.com)