Great Yarmouth bomb: Final stage to disarm device begins

After reinforcing the blast barrier surrounding the bomb, army specialists have revised the original plan to cut the bomb.

They are now using a tried and tested approach in order to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

The final phase of a delicate operation to disarm an unexploded WW2 bomb in Great Yarmouth is underway (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

The army specialists will use a technique that creates a slow burn of the explosives and burn off that material.

As with other options, it does carry a risk of an unintended detonation, but this has been assessed by experts and seen as the best course of action.

While this work happens, people may see smoke coming from the site but environmental experts have confirmed there is no risk to public health.

The site of the bomb (Image: Newsquest)

Once the slow burn is finished, a period of time is required for the location to cool.

The army specialists will then assess whether it has been successful and if it has been the cordons will be reduced or fully lifted.

Today, bomb disposal experts have been repairing the blast barrier put in place to mitigate any unintended detonation.

It had been partially weakened as a result of cutting work involving the use of water. 

Norfolk Constabulary's assistant chief constable Nick Davison and the chair of the Strategic Co-ordinating Group set up through Norfolk’s Local Resilience Forum said: “This has been a painstakingly long process but public safety and that of the people involved in the operation has been at the heart of decision making.

“This the final phase of a delicate operation which has caused much disruption in the town but we’re hopeful this could be resolved soon and that cordons can be lifted if everything goes to plan."