Suspected grenades found in Plymouth roadworks

Cordons have been lifted and roads are being re-opened after the Royal Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team carried out controlled detonations of suspected grenades discovered within roadworks this afternoon.

A major Plymouth road was closed to traffic after the discovery of the suspected white phosphorous grenades.

Police and fire crews were called to Tavistock Road at 2.35pm today [10 January] after the eight suspected unexploded devices were unearthed by highways workers on the northbound carriageway opposite Pizza Hut.

A 100-metre cordon was put in place and Tavistock Road was closed in both directions between Derriford Roundabout and Crownhill. Diversions were put in place and the public were asked to avoid the area.

Various commercial properties at Crownhill Retail Park – KFC, Marks and Spencer and Pizza Hut - were evacuated by police as a precaution.

Chief Superintendent Andy Boulting said: “We have worked in close partnership with agencies to resolve this incident as soon as possible to minimise the disruption to the city.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank the public for their patience. As always, public safety is our top priority in these incidents.