Homes evacuated and cordon over ordnance fear

20 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

People have been evacuated from their homes and police have cordoned off a building site after reports of suspected ordnance.

The Devon and Cornwall force said a 200m (656ft) cordon was in at Flamborough Road, in the Southway are of Plymouth, Devon, after reports were received at about 14:30 BST.

A number of roads in the area have been closed and a Royal Navy explosives team was attending to "assess the item", said a spokesperson.

They 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."

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."

People could go to Southway Youth and Community Centre in Hendwell Close, "where council and Plymouth Community Homes staff are available to offer support, information and practical assistance", they said.