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Bomb cordon stays in place

Many residents can't return yet

Hundreds of people are still unable to return to their homes following the controlled bomb blast in Exeter on Saturday night.

The Second World War 'Hermann' shell was detonated by the army after almost two days of hard work to make sure it could be safely destroyed.

The blast, which could be heard for several miles, caused extensive damage to many surrounding buildings and has left a crater the size of a double-decker bus.

A 400-metre cordon was reduced to 100 metres on Sunday evening, but as of Monday evening, many householders still cannot go home.

The exclusion zone is surrounded by protective fencing until it is safe for residents to return. The map, illustrated here, is also available https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/yPICCPQMKsKAxKkhzhsYc?domain=bit.ly

Exeter City Council, Devon County Council and the emergency services have thanked residents for their patience.

Exeter City Council is offering help to those directly affected by the incident and has set up a helpline on 01392 265000 which is open in-office hours.

A number of frequently asked questions are also available on the City Council website at https://exeter.gov.uk/clean-safe-city/community-safety/ww2-bomb-detonation-in-exeter/

The University of Exeter has confirmed that 1,400 students were evacuated from their accommodation and 900 returned on Monday. 

The video of the blast here was taken from Exwick, a third of a mile from the centre of the blast by Rufus from @RufusEatsCheese 

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