Exeter evacuees won't be allowed home on Sunday

Police advise people to work on that basis

People evacuated from 400 metres around the site of a World War Two bomb that was subject of a controlled explosion are being told it's unlikely they'll be allowed back home on Sunday.

Before the army blew up the 1,000kg device which had been laying under Exeter soil for nearly 80 years, residents had been told they could expect to return to their properties on Saturday evening. 

But the explosion was so ferocious, it blew out windows and causes cracks in brickwork across a wide area. Debris flew 250 metres and a crater capable of taking a double decker bus has been carved out of the landscape.

Building assessment work is continuing through Sunday in the 400-metre cordon of the bomb detonation site on Glenthorne Road, near Exeter University.

People have reported hearing the explosion, at 6.10 p.m. on Saturday, as far away as Crediton, about six miles to the north-west.

Police say: "Every effort is being made to ensure the timely conclusion of the assessments in the hope some evacuated residents may be able to return home this evening.

However, evacuated residents are advised to work on a worst-case scenario basis, that they will not be able to return home this evening.

The council has confirmed that those already in hotel accommodation will be able to stay in their hotels tonight if necessary. The council helpline is open until 5pm today for any evacuated residents needing support or advice: 0345 155 1015.

We are expecting to be able to issue an update with some clarity at around 3 p.m.