Residents near Warley Woods in Oldbury have been warned to expect a loud bang this afternoon as army bomb disposal experts carry out a controlled explosion on a Second World War mortar round discovered earlier today, July 27.
The unexploded device was found at an address off Wolverhampton Road, prompting a swift response from West Midlands Police and the British Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
Evacuations and safety measures
A small number of residents were temporarily evacuated from their homes following the discovery, according to West Midlands Police. The device was carefully removed by the EOD team and transported to Warley Woods, a nearby beauty spot, for safe disposal.
Police said the controlled explosion is scheduled to take place shortly and urged locals to remain calm when they hear the blast. No injuries have been reported, and the evacuation order has since been lifted.
Historical context of WWII ordnance
The Second World War ended over 80 years ago, but unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to surface across the UK, particularly in areas that were heavily bombed or used for military training. The Black Country region saw significant industrial activity during the war, making discoveries like this not uncommon.
According to the Ministry of Defence, bomb disposal teams deal with hundreds of UXO incidents each year, ranging from small arms ammunition to large aerial bombs. Mortar rounds like the one found in Oldbury are often encountered during construction or gardening work.
Official statement from West Midlands Police
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "A controlled explosion is due to take place shortly in Oldbury after an unexploded Second World War mortar round was discovered. We were called earlier today after the device was found at an address off Wolverhampton Road.
"A small number of residents were briefly evacuated from their homes before the device was taken away by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) for safe disposal nearby. The device is due to be detonated at Warley Woods, so residents are advised they can expect to hear a loud bang in the area when this happens."
What to do if you find suspicious items
Authorities remind the public that any suspected unexploded ordnance should not be touched or moved. Instead, people should report it immediately to the police by calling 999. The EOD team is equipped to handle such items safely, as demonstrated in today's operation.
Warley Woods, a popular local park, was temporarily cordoned off during the operation but is expected to reopen once the explosion has been conducted and the area declared safe.
