Bomb Alert in Bath: 1,000 Homes Evacuated After WWII Device Found
Emergency services sprang into action in Bath after a huge World War Two bomb was unearthed at a former junior school site. Around 1,000 homes were ordered to evacuate on the evening of May 12, with evacuees taken to council-run rest centres.
Huge WWII Bomb Found at Former School
Just before 5pm on Thursday, police were alerted to a suspicious device uncovered by workers digging on Lansdown Road, at the site of the old Royal High Junior School. A military Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team quickly secured the scene, establishing a 300-metre cordon which was later expanded.
Mass Evacuation and Road Closures
- Approximately 1,000 homes evacuated within the cordon
- Residents directed to emergency rest centres at the local Racecourse and Pavilion
- Roads closed and traffic rerouted by police
- Utility engineers cut off gas, water, and electricity for safety
Bomb Squad Works to Defuse the 500lb Device
The device, believed to be a 500lb unexploded WWII bomb buried about a metre underground, was found where a children’s playground stood until recently. Police confirmed they are cooperating with multiple agencies to minimise disruption.
“Decisions to evacuate houses are never taken lightly but during these incidents public safety will always be our primary concern,” said Inspector Gavin Usher.
Spokesman Sam Malone added, “We advise motorists to seek alternative routes while road closures remain in place.”
“We thank everyone affected for their patience,” said Usher.
