East Tilbury: WW2 ordnance successfully and safely detonated

UPDATE: Friday 8 November, 3pm

Experts have safely detonated a World War Two device found on a construction site in East Tilbury.

The discovery was made at the site, off Station Road, at around 11.30am on Tuesday 5 November. 

The device was found to be a 250kg bomb dropped by the Luftwaffe during World War Two.

It had remained hidden underground and was only uncovered by ongoing construction work in the area.

Officers immediately worked hard with partners from multiple agencies to secure the scene, while Ministry of Defence experts established the safest and most efficient means of disposing of the bomb.

A 500-metre cordon was in place around the site while numerous specialists prepared to safely detonate the device.

This cordon has since been stood down.

As a crucial precaution, a temporary closure of the railway line between Grays and Pitsea was implemented.

This has now been lifted, but passengers can expect to experience some continuing disruption into the early evening.

Please continue to check before you travel by visiting the National Rail Enquiries website for the latest on any disruption.

We would thank the public for their patience while this important work was carried out.

Safe operation

Chief Superintendent Scott Egerton said:

“Specialists considered a number of options to make this device safe.
“It was decided detonation of the device at the scene was preferable to making an attempt to move it.
“This decision was taken with the full and continuing consideration of the safety of the public as the number one priority.
“This operation required partnership working across a number of agencies, including Essex Police, the MOD bomb disposal experts, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, East of England Ambulance Service, rail and power network companies and local councils.
“This coordinated response ensured the efficient and safe disposal of this device with the minimum disruption possible.”

Friday 8 November 11am

Specialists are set to execute a controlled explosion after the discovery of World War Two ordnance on a construction site.

The discovery was made at the site, off Station Road, East Tilbury, at around 11.30am on Tuesday 5 November.

Since that time, officers have managed a cordon at the scene and worked with partners from multiple agencies to make the area safe.

This allowed experts from the Ministry of Defence to painstakingly assess the ordnance.

This around-the-clock assessment was made more complex by the underground location of this device.

It has been established there is no wider risk to the public and experts plan to execute a controlled explosion between 12pm and 2pm today (Friday 8 November).

We will issue updates if there any changes to these timings.

This will cause some temporary disruption to the nearby road and rail network.

A 500-meter cordon is in place around the site, which will bring temporary road closures in place in the nearby Station Road, Church Road, Coopers Shaw Road and Fort Road.

We would ask the public to observe this cordon and avoid the area.

As a precaution, this operation will require the temporary closing of the nearby c2c railway line between Grays and Pitsea.

Short notice disruption and cancelations on the line from London to Southend, via Ockendon, is expected between 11.30am and around 3pm.

Check before you travel and visit the National Rail Enquiries website for the latest on any disruption.

Crucial precaution

Chief Inspector Anthony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, said:

“This discovery was made on a fairly remote construction site and as such the impact on the wider community has, so far, been minimal.
“All the proper procedures were immediately followed to ensure there was a wide enough cordon in place to protect the public.
“Experts were swiftly on the scene and have been working hard to ascertain the safest and most efficient means of disposing of this ordnance.
“This will mean there is a controlled explosion and this will have a temporary impact on the nearby rail and road network.
“These measures are a crucial precaution to ensure the safety of the public.
“Those in the vicinity may hear a short-lived bang, rest-assured this is anticipated and planned.
“This is a rare occurrence, but I would thank the public for their patience while this work is carried out.”

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