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An unexploded World War Two bomb has been successfully detonated in East Tilbury, following a multi-agency operation.
The bomb was discovered on a construction site off Station Road 5 November. Further investigation determined it to be a 250kg device dropped by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, which had remained hidden underground and was only uncovered by ongoing construction work in the area.
A 500-metre cordon was put in place around the site and a temporary closure of the railway line between Grays and Pitsea was implemented while specialists prepared to safely detonate the device.
Ahead of the detonation last Friday, Essex Police, MOD bomb disposal experts, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, East of England Ambulance Service, rail and power network companies and local councils worked together to ensure minimum disruption and the safety of the local public.
“Specialists considered a number of options to make this device safe.
“It was decided detonation of the device at the scene was preferable to making an attempt to move it.
“This decision was taken with the full and continuing consideration of the safety of the public as the number one priority.
“This operation required partnership working across a number of agencies, including Essex Police, the MOD bomb disposal experts, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, East of England Ambulance Service, rail and power network companies and local councils.
“This coordinated response ensured the efficient and safe disposal of this device with the minimum disruption possible.”
Chief Superintendent Scott Egerton, Essex Police
The East Tilbury bomb echoes a similar incident earlier this year in Keyham in Plymouth, which saw the biggest non-wartime evacuation in the UK and involved teams from multiple agencies working together.
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