World War Two bomb is uncovered in Exeter as care home and university campus are evacuated 

A halls of residence at Exeter University and a nearby care home were evacuated by police today after an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered by workmen.

Devon and Cornwall Police declared a major incident today when builders working on private land next to the university campus uncovered the bomb.

Around 200 students were evacuated by emergency services from one of the university halls of residence, alongside with a nearby care home and residents.

As many as 200 students were evacuated from a halls of residence at Exeter University today after an unexploded bomb was found near the campus. Pictured: Exeter University students take in the sunset this evening after hundreds were evacuated from their accomodation

The device itself has been described as around eight feet long and 27 inches across

A halls of residence at Exeter University and a nearby care home were evacuated by police today after an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered by workmen. Pictured: A police van blocks a road near the university campus earlier today

A 100m police cordon was then put in place and nearby roads have been closed to keep people at a safe distance from the device. 

Royal navy UXB bomb disposal were called to the site where the bomb was found and are expected to remain until tomorrow. 

The device itself has been described as around eight feet long and 27 inches across. 

Police Inspector Sean Roper said the situation would take some time to resolve because of the size of the bomb which could not be disposed of like smaller devices.

A truck was seen near the location where the bomb was discovered on February 27

Devon and Cornwall Police declared a major incident today when builders working on private land next to the university campus uncovered the bomb

On their website, Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Police were called to Glenthorne Road, Exeter at around 9.20am this morning following reports that a possible unexploded WW2 device has been located.

‘A 100m cordon is currently in place and number of nearby properties are currently being evacuated.

‘The cordon size may change in due course.

‘University of Exeter staff are assisting with evacuating the nearby halls of residence.

On their website, Devon and Cornwall Police said that the Navy EOD had been called in to help deal with the bomb and advised people to avoid the area

‘The Navy EOD are also on scene and the incident is ongoing.

‘People are advised to avoid the area where possible.’

Around 100 buildings had been evacuated around the hilltop campus which overlooks the city of Exeter which suffered heavy German bombing in the Second World War.