Second navy shell found at Appledore is destroyed in controlled explosion

Bomb disposal experts were called out to Appledore for the second time in two days yesterday (Thursday, June 12), it has been confirmed.

The Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team from Devonport in Plymouth were called out to the Hubbastone Road area by the estuary on both Wednesday and Thursday this week after old eight-inch navy shells were found.

It is understood the old ordnance was discovered by contractors working on the site for the new Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre.

On both occasions a cordon was put around the site and some residents were evacuated while police awaited the arrival of the bomb disposal team.

Above: The shell from Wednesday and (below) preparing to carry out a controlled explosion. Credit: Royal Navy

The alarm was raised on Wednesday and police called at 10.10am and on Thursday at around midday.

Once on site the Royal Navy team secured the shells and they were taken to Westward Ho! beach to be destroyed in controlled explosions.

A spokesperson for the Royal Navy said: “The Royal Navy’s Bomb Disposal team from HMNB Devonport would like to thank the conscientious observations by the public in reporting this to Devon and Cornwall Police, who in turn alerted the team.

“We are extremely grateful for any information the public provide and ask that they don’t deal with a suspicious object themselves.”