Suspected 250kg unexploded WW2 missile found in docks

A 300m (984ft) cordon is in place after a suspected unexploded bomb was found in a dock.

Devon and Cornwall Police said emergency services were called out after the object, which is believed to be a 250kg American missile from World War Two, was found in water at Falmouth Docks at 09:15 BST.

At about 17:25, the force extended the cordon from 150m (492ft) which covers land and sea, while investigation work is carried out.

As a precaution, three residential properties have been evacuated, and the public is urged not to approach the area or enter any restricted zones.

Police said the item was located in the water near the dock area and the Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) were still on the scene "assessing the device".

"It's believed to be a 250kg American missile from World War Two," police said.

Falmouth Harbour said "the object will be moved for disposal" and warned boats and water users to keep out of the exclusion zone.

It added: "The time of moving is yet to be confirmed but will be announced on VHF 16 by the Coastguard."

Supt Int Vicky Howell said: "We have extended the cordon around Falmouth Docks following the discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance device.

"Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers are on the scene and we are working closely with our partner agencies to manage the incident safely."

She thanked local residents, businesses and members of the public for their patience and cooperation whilst the incident was ongoing.

Howell added: "We ask people to continue avoiding the area and to follow any instructions given by emergency services personnel."

Crews from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, the coastguard, the port authority and the harbourmaster are also at the scene.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "Royal Navy Bomb disposal experts, Bravo Squadron of the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group, based at HMNB Devonport, are currently assisting Devon and Cornwall Police in the assessment of suspected unexploded ordnance found at Falmouth Docks."

Tilly Ogilvie, who lives in student accommodation in the cordoned road, told BBC Radio Cornwall she wasn't allowed back home.

She said: "They told me to go as far as I could but they weren't evacuating people.

"They weren't even letting me near the road. I'm currently just sat on a bench."

She added officers at the scene had been unable to confirm if she could return home today.

"I'm thinking I'm going to have to talk to my friends and see if I can stay at their house."

Bryony Mirfin said the first she heard about the incident at the docks was on social media.

She said: "I've lived here for a long time, so it reminded me of when the acetylene tanks were going off 20 years ago.

"It's not even the first time it's happened."

Police have told her to be prepared for a possible evacuation but had not stopped her from going back to her house.

"I've been told to get my pyjamas and toothbrush ready," she said.

"Any controlled explosion will take preparation."

She added: "I know there's one or two neighbours which would struggle to leave the house which is why they're trying to avoid that for as long as they can."

"I think I'm down on one of the most vulnerable roads now."

Beatrice Venner lives in the student flats within the cordon.

The second year student said police told her to "wait it out" as they were "waiting for information from the bomb disposal people".

She said: "The bomb disposal people, it's their job... so hopefully they can dispose of the bomb."

She added: "I'm from Devon so this sort of thing happens in Plymouth quite a lot".

Falmouth Docks were targeted multiple times by German bombing raids during World War Two.

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