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.
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 significant and coordinated response ensured the efficient and safe disposal of this device with the minimum disruption possible.”
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