Jaw dropping new PSNI footage shows moment German WWII bomb was detonated in Co Down
More than 400 homes were evacuated when the unexploded bomb was discovered last Thursday
The PSNI has released dramatic new footage of the moment an unexploded German World War II bomb was detonated in Co Down on Tuesday.
The jaw dropping video was issued on Wednesday and it captures the enormous controlled explosion in Newtownards in high definition.
More than 400 homes were evacuated when the unexploded bomb was discovered last Thursday.
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Police and Army bomb experts had been at the site where a sand-filled structure was constructed around the device while it was considered if it should be removed or made safe there, reported BelfastLive.
PSNI District Commander for Ards and North Down Superintendent Johnston McDowell confirmed a controlled explosion had taken place at 3.38pm on Tuesday and that the device was an air-dropped SC-500 German bomb from the Second World War. Despite being around 83-years-old, police said the device still posed a significant risk to public safety.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He added: “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 a testament to the level of skill our military colleagues have.”
On Tuesday evening, police confirmed that all local residents were able to return to their homes.
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