Army blow up 500lb bomb near Thetford

An Army bomb disposal team has successfully detonated a 500lb World War Two bomb found in King’s Forest near Thetford. The controlled explosion was carried out safely in a remote area, highlighting the importance of professional expertise in handling unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Discovery of the 500lb ordnance

The live 500lb bomb, along with a mortar round, was discovered during heathland restoration work conducted by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT). The ordnance was found about a mile from the B1106 road. Specialists from a survey team, using ground-penetrating sensors, identified the bomb before NWT’s work commenced. According to a Forestry Commission spokesperson, “We knew there was stuff in the area, but this bomb turned out to be live.”

Immediate safety measures

Following the discovery, Suffolk Police called in an Army bomb disposal unit and maintained a police guard on the devices overnight. Due to the size and potential danger of the bomb, a 1.6km safety cordon was established around the site, and airspace restrictions were put in place to ensure public safety.

The Forestry Commission, which owns the site, noted that the area has a history of turning up ordnance. This discovery underscores the importance of thorough site surveys in regions with known wartime activity.

Controlled explosion

Given the remote location of the find, with no buildings nearby, the Army’s bomb disposal team determined that the safest course of action was to detonate the bomb on-site. Before the controlled explosion, a police helicopter equipped with a thermal camera scanned the area to confirm it was clear of people or animals. The operation was successfully completed at around 1pm, with all restrictions lifted shortly afterwards.

The ongoing risk of UXO

This incident highlights the persistent risk posed by unexploded ordnance in areas affected by wartime activity. Bombs, shells, and other devices can remain dangerous for decades, requiring expert identification and disposal to prevent accidents.

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