A 250kg second world war bomb has exploded unexpectedly on a Bam and Farrand in Great Yarmouth, police have said.
Emergency services and agencies declared a major incident following the discovery of the large unexploded device at a river crossing in the Norfolk town on Tuesday, and had been working to disarm it.
On Friday afternoon, Norfolk constabulary said there had been an “unplanned” detonation, but that no one was hurt.
Army specialists had been cutting the bomb using a technique that creates a slow burn of the explosives, and burns off that material.
It was discovered during dredging work in the River Yare at Bollard Quay close to the junction with Boundary Road.
After raising the alarm, cordons were put in place when the bomb was discovered close to two gas pipes.
Norfolk constabulary’s assistant chief constable Nick Davison said: “This has been a painstakingly long process, but public safety and that of the people involved in the operation has been at the heart of decision making.
“This was the final phase of a delicate operation which has caused much disruption in the town, but we’re hopeful this could be resolved soon and that cordons can be lifted, if everything goes to plan.”
A spokesperson for Cadent, which manages the local gas mains network, said: “Our team has carried out a close inspection of our pipes in the vicinity. There is no indication that the blast has caused damage to our assets, and gas continues to flow safely.”
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