Image emerges of WWII bomb that sparked evacuation of hundreds of Irish homes

An image of the suspected WWII bomb that led to the evacuation of hundreds of homes has surfaced.

Unconfirmed reports on Sunday evening suggest that the bomb is a 500kg device, possibly left over from a Luftwaffe bombing raid in 1941, which may have ended up on the edge of a housing development in Newtownards, Co Down, reports Belfast Live.

On April 15, 1941, at the same time as the Belfast Blitz, Newtownards and Bangor were also under attack, with Ards Airfield being hit. The airfield served as the headquarters of 231 Squadron and was guarded by soldiers of the 70th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Thirteen soldiers lost their lives during this attack.

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However, last Thursday, what is believed to be a WWII bomb, potentially from that 1941 raid, was discovered during ongoing construction work at the Rivenwood estate. As a result, more than 400 homes near the site have been evacuated, with the PSNI warning that the operation to deal with the bomb could take several days.

Diggers and hundreds of tons of sand have been brought to the area as Army ordnance experts work to handle the device. It remains unclear whether they plan to defuse the bomb or detonate it once the area is cleared and a large amount of sand can suppress the blast.

An image of the suspected WWII bomb found in Newtownards jutting from the ground
(Image: No credit)

This operation mirrors one carried out in Exeter in February, when army bomb disposal experts were summoned following the discovery of a 1,000kg WWII bomb. In that instance, around 2,600 properties in the area were evacuated while the device was inspected and assessed.

Over 400 tonnes of sand were transported to the place of discovery and walls were built by Royal Navy bomb disposal experts along with army personnel from the Royal Logistic Corps. The explosive device was obliterated where it was discovered, leaving a hole that local police are saying is "about the size of a double decker bus".

Residents in Ards located near the site were informed via leaflets about the necessary evacuation. In an earlier statement made on Sunday, Superintendent Johnston McDowell, North Down and Ards District Commander, issued words of gratitude: "I would like to thank all those impacted residents who we have spoken to in relation to the ongoing public safety operation in the Rivenwood area of the town.

"In excess of 400 homes have been affected by this operation. This is a significant number of properties, and we thank residents for their patience and understanding."

For those affected residents, an emergency support centre has been organised at Ards Blair Mayne Leisure Complex.

Mr McDowell continued: "I would like to state that if homeowners or residents have not been spoken to directly by police, or received information in relation to this matter, it's unlikely that they will be impacted by the clearance operation at this time.

"It is anticipated at this stage that the operation will continue for a number of days. A police cordon is in place and motorists are advised to continue to avoid the area.

"I appreciate the disruption that this has caused, however, keeping people safe is paramount and we will not take any risks. I want to thank those who may be affected for their patience at this time. We will continue to minimise any further disruption, as our priority is to keep residents and the local community safe."

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