Explosive ordnance device safely detonated

An explosive ordnance device found in Watton yesterday afternoon (Friday 1 December 2023) has been safely detonated.

Police and emergency services were called at 2.57pm yesterday (Friday 1 December 2023) after a metal object was discovered while work was being carried out on a tree stump in a field near Shetland Drive.

A 100-metre cordon was put in place as a precaution.

Residents of around 30 houses near the scene were advised to evacuate their homes and a nearby supermarket closed for the evening. Road closures were also put in place.

Shortly after 11pm yesterday (Friday 1 December 2023), following attendance from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, residents were advised they could return to their homes.  Road closures were also later lifted, and the cordon reduced to 10metres.

The device was safely disposed of by the EOD team shortly after 10am today (Saturday 2 December 2023). The cordon has now been removed and emergency services have left the scene.

No one was injured.