THIS is the dramatic moment disposal teams blow up a 250kg bomb which the Luftwaffe dropped on Britain during World War Two.
The unexploded German bomb was found in East Tilbury near Tilbury docks in Essex on November 5 at around 11.30am.
The unexploded German bomb was found in East Tilbury near Tilbury docks in Essex on November 5 at around 11.30am[/caption]
The explosive has remained hidden underground after being dropped by a German aircraft during The Blitz between 1940-1941[/caption]
The explosive has remained hidden underground after being dropped by a German aircraft during The Blitz between 1940-1941.
Essex Police worked with Ministry of Defence officials to determine a plan after the bomb was found – with experts decided it was safest to detonate the device.
Officers cordoned off 500 metres around the building site – with a nearby railway line closed to allow teams to dispose of the bomb.
Both have now been lifted.
Essex Police said earlier that passengers could expect to experience some continuing travel disruption into the early evening.
Chief Superintendent Scott Egerton said: “Specialists considered a number of options to make this device safe.
“It was decided detonation of the device at the scene was preferable to making an attempt to move it.
“This decision was taken with the full and continuing consideration of the safety of the public as the number one priority.
“This operation required partnership working across a number of agencies, including Essex Police, the MOD bomb disposal experts, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, East of England Ambulance Service, rail and power network companies and local councils.
“This significant and coordinated response ensured the efficient and safe disposal of this device with the minimum disruption possible.”
An earlier statement confirmed: “This discovery was made on a fairly remote construction site and as such the impact on the wider community has, so far, been minimal.
“All the proper procedures were immediately followed to ensure there was a wide enough cordon in place to protect the public.
“Those in the vicinity may hear a short-lived bang, rest-assured this is anticipated and planned.
“This is a rare occurrence, but I would thank the public for their patience while this work is carried out.”
Essex Police worked with Ministry of Defence officials to determine a plan after the bomb was found[/caption]
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