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Police evacuate residents after suspected 250kg WWII missile found

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 10:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Police Seal Dock

Devon and Cornwall Police sealed off Falmouth Docks after a suspected 250 kg WWII missile was found in the water.
A 300 m safety cordon covering land and sea was established around the dock.
Three residential properties were evacuated, following earlier evacuations of two homes.
Specialist EOD officers, Cornwall Fire Service, Port Authority, Harbour Master and Royal Navy bomb squad assisted police.

Summary

Residents Face Lockout

Police barred student Gretta, a Falmouth College attendee, from re-entering her home inside the cordon.
Gretta and fellow student Bea were ordered to pack their bags and leave, with no return date.
Around 1 pm a residents’ group chat spread a bomb warning, sparking panic and uncertainty.
Residents inside the 300-metre exclusion zone report being unable to access essential services while awaiting clearance.

History

Historical Context

In 1996, a 500-lb World War II bomb was uncovered in the River Thames near Canary Wharf, prompting a massive safety operation. London Fire Brigade, the Port of London Authority, and the Royal Navy deployed 12 specialist teams and evacuated 1,500 office workers. Today's Falmouth Dock incident mirrors that 1996 event, as police, Cornwall Fire Service, and Royal Navy enforce a 300-metre cordon around a 250-kg WWII missile. The recurrence underscores the enduring risk of unexploded ordnance in UK ports, prompting stricter maritime safety protocols and increased funding for bomb-disposal units.

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Police Seal Dock

Devon and Cornwall Police sealed off Falmouth Docks after a suspected 250 kg WWII missile was found in the water.
A 300 m safety cordon covering land and sea was established around the dock.
Three residential properties were evacuated, following earlier evacuations of two homes.
Specialist EOD officers, Cornwall Fire Service, Port Authority, Harbour Master and Royal Navy bomb squad assisted police.

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