THE unexploded WWII ordnance has been safely removed from Falmouth Docks and the evacuation cordon has now been lifted.

Residents are beginning to return to their properties after a large-scale evacuation involving some 336 households was carried out on Wednesday, September 23. It follows the discovery of a 250lb American air-dropped bomb being found in water at the docks on Monday, September 21 at 9.15pm.

Cornwall Council states the device will be disposed of in deep water and “well out at sea, so there will be nothing to see or hear from the shore.” Residents are being urged to continue to follow any instructions from police and other personnel as the emergency response is stood down.

Cllr Thalia Marrington, the Cornwall councillor and portfolio holder for public safety, said: “This is the news everyone wanted to hear. The device has been safely removed, the cordon has been lifted, and residents can now return to their homes.

“I want to thank the military specialists, emergency services, council teams, partner organisations and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep people safe and support those affected.

“I also want to thank residents and businesses for their patience, throughout what has been a worrying and disruptive time.”

Superintendent Ian Thompson, policing Commander for West Cornwall, said: “I can confirm that we have now lifted all cordons put in place and our multi-agency operation to safely remove this World War Two bomb has concluded.

“Residents are free to return to their homes.

“We’d like to thank the Falmouth community for your patience during what we know has been a difficult few days.

“Safety of residents has always been the highest priority for police, Cornwall Council, the military and other partners.

“Working with our partners, we have today managed a large-scale evacuation involving some 336 households.

“The evacuation effort involved 81 police officers and staff as well as 113 volunteers and colleagues from partner agencies.

“Our combined efforts have been focussed on allowing everybody to get back to their daily lives as quickly as possible.

“Since the discovery of this 250lb American air-dropped bomb from World War Two on Monday morning, we have seen a display of tremendous partnership working.

“I would like to express my thanks to our partners, volunteers and to the police officers and staff who have worked tirelessly over the past few days.

“Military bomb disposal experts have shown tremendous skill and bravery in making this ordnance safe.

“Staff from all agencies have played an important role in bringing this matter to a safe conclusion.

“Thank you again for your hard work, working long shifts and flexibility to bring the operation to a safe conclusion.”