Watch: Moment German WWII bomb explodes in Co Down drama that saw hundreds evacuated

Sending a mass of earth and black smoke into the sky, a WWII bomb went off today in Co Down bringing to an end a drama that saw hundreds of people evacuated from their homes.

Army bomb disposal experts set off the 500kg Luftwaffe bomb late on Tuesday afternoon in Newtownards sending a mass of debris around 100 feet into the air.

Videos of the event soon began circulating, showing the huge blast before the delayed sound wave travelled across the fields and homes close to the Rivenwood estate that has been the scene of the ongoing alert.

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Earlier today the PSNI said the ATO had decided to detonate the device in situ as opposed to moving it or defusing it on site. The move came after Army personnel moved hundreds of tons of sand to the area in a bid to absorb as much of the blast as possible and keep nearby homes and people safe.

In a statement issued minutes after the detonation, PSNI Superintendent McDowell said: “This afternoon at approximately 15.38pm the render safe procedure of the operation was initiated and Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) carried out a controlled explosion of a bomb, which had been discovered in the Rivenwood area of Newtownards last Thursday, 15th August.

“The munition found, which I can now confirm was identified as being an air-dropped SC-500 German bomb from World War Two, was understood to have been in and around 83-years-old, but still posed a significant risk to public safety, even after all this time.

“This was a highly complex operation that prompted the evacuation of a large number of homes within 400 metres of where the bomb was located, and local police officers worked around the clock to engage with those impacted.

“The disposal team was comprised of members of the Army’s 321 EOD & Search squadron, who alongside the police service led the major operation. They were also assisted by other emergency services and partners, who all provided expert knowledge in managing the high-risk emergency situation.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our personnel involved, who worked day and night this week to keep the public safe. The success of this operation is testament to the level of skill our military colleagues have.

“Whilst we will endeavour to enable residents to return to normality as soon as possible, please be advised, an update will be provided in due course as to when they are safe and able to do so.

“The operation continues until we reach the completion phase. Thank you again for your continued cooperation at this time.”

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