CO DOWN, Northern Ireland – A controlled explosion was carried out at the location where a big World War II bomb was discovered in County Down.
Following the discovery of the device last Thursday, approximately 400 homes in Newtownards’ Rivenwood suburb were evacuated.
Police and British Army bomb experts were on the scene, where a sand-filled building was built around the bomb until it was determined if it should be removed or made safe there.
The PSNI stated that a decision was reached to deal with the device on the scene.
Several hours later, residents heard an explosion in the vicinity.
Superintendent Johnston McDowell, the District Commander for Ards and North Down, stated that a controlled explosion occurred at 3.38 pm.
He also said that it was an air-dropped German bomb from World War II.
“Thursday afternoon at approximately 15.38, the rendering safe procedure of the operation was initiated, and Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) carried out a controlled explosion of a bomb, which had been discovered in the Rivenwood area of Newtownards last Thursday, 15th August,” he reported.
“The munition discovered, which I can now disclose, was identified as an air-dropped SC-500 German bomb from World War II, and believed to be at least 83 years old yet still posed a substantial risk to public safety.
“This was a very complex exercise that prompted the evacuation of a large number of homes within 400 meters of where the bomb was located, and local police officers worked around the clock to engage with those impacted.”
The disposal team, led by the Army’s 321 EOD & Search squadron, collaborated with other emergency agencies and partners to manage a high-risk situation.
He added: “I’d want to convey my heartfelt gratitude to all our people who worked tirelessly this week to keep the public safe. The effectiveness of this operation demonstrates the skill of our military colleagues.”
In the evening, police confirmed that all residents could return home.
