An unexploded Second World War bomb discovered by construction workers in Coventry has led to the evacuation of nearly 100 properties. West Midlands Police instructed residents to vacate 96 homes after the explosive was uncovered at a building site on Tuesday, June 2.
The bomb was found at a construction site at Sandy Lane Business Park in the Radford district, where 250 properties are planned to be developed on the former Daimler automotive factory site. Officers reported that the discovery occurred at 2.55pm on Tuesday afternoon during building work.
An extensive 100-metre exclusion zone has been established, and it is anticipated that securing the location may take until morning. West Midlands Police stated: "For the public's safety, a 100 metre cordon is in place which has resulted in 96 homes evacuated at this time and being supported by Coventry City Council where required. Work is ongoing with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts to assess the device, this is likely to continue throughout the evening and into tomorrow morning. We appreciate the co-operation of local residents, businesses and motorists as emergency services and EOD work through the safe disposal of the device."
Community Response
Coventry Police wrote on X: "Roads are closed this evening (Tue) around Sandy Lane Business Park, Radford, after the discovery of an unexploded WW2 bomb. A 100m cordon is in place during ongoing work with Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts to assess the device and work through its safe disposal."
Responding to the police statement shared on social media, one individual expressed concern: "There are multiple buried UXB's (unexploded bombs) all over Coventry, and what worries me is they're over 80 years old now." Another resident posted a "thank you" to officers for keeping the public informed.
Historical Context
Coventry suffered devastating Nazi bombing raids during the Second World War. The notorious Coventry Blitz took place on the night of 14 November, continuing into the early hours of 15 November, 1940. Hitler dispatched 515 bombers to strike the city, aiming to obliterate its wartime industrial production. The fierce glow from the catastrophic attack was reportedly visible from as far as 100 miles away.
