A 28lb practice bomb was unearthed in a North Wales garden on Easter Sunday, giving one Airbnb host an unexpected shock. Conwy resident Dave Drew discovered the item while digging a trench to lay concrete for a summerhouse at his home in Trefriw, North Wales.

Mr Drew initially believed the object to be nothing more than scrap metal, as he had previously uncovered an old tractor engine and other discarded items from a former blacksmith’s workshop on the property. However, his wife had concerns about its potential danger and urged him to investigate further.

“My wife was worried it could be something more dangerous and she didn’t want it left in the garden, just 25ft from the front door,” Drew told North Wales Live.

How the bomb disposal process unfolded

Unsure of the object’s origins, Mr Drew shared photos on social media, where users quickly identified it as potential unexploded ordnance (UXO) and urged him to contact the authorities.

After contacting the police, images of the device were sent to the Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Operations Centre for assessment. Bomb disposal experts determined that the item was a potential hazard, requiring immediate action.

Controlled detonation at a secure location

Police officers carefully transported the object to a nearby rugby pitch, where it was guarded overnight. The next morning, bomb disposal teams returned to conduct a controlled explosion.

A North Wales Police spokesperson provided the following statement:

“Shortly before 6pm yesterday (18 April), officers attended an address in Trefriw following the discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance (UXO) device. The device was securely contained and transferred to a safe, non-residential location for overnight monitoring. A secure detonation was conducted by EODU just before 9am today (19 April).”

What is a 28lb practice bomb?

Brimstone UXO experts have assessed the media images and confirmed that the item was a 28lb practice bomb. These bombs were commonly used by British military aviators for training at air weapons ranges across the UK, including Pembrey Sands (South Wales) and RAF Cowden (Yorkshire), which is now closed.

The 28lb practice bomb was designed for pilot training and featured:

  • A solid metal head with a mechanical striker.
  • A tail section containing a small high-explosive and white phosphorus charge.
  • A mechanism that ignited on impact, producing smoke plumes, flashes, and a loud noise to help pilots track their bomb strikes.

Our UXO engineers analysed the photographs and determined that the tail section was missing. The fuse and charge had already been initiated, making the item inert.

How common are UXO finds in the UK?

At Brimstone UXO, we frequently encounter 28lb practice bombs, especially at former military training sites. Since February alone, our team at the former air weapons range, RAF Cowden, has safely disposed of 32 individual 28lb practice bombs.

Unexploded ordnance is not uncommon in the UK due to its extensive wartime history and former military training areas. Discoveries like Mr Drew’s highlight the importance of UXO awareness and safety measures.

A 28lb practice bomb found at Cowden by Brimstone UXO, similar to the one found in North Wales
A 28lb practice bomb prepped for detonation by Brimstone UXO at Cowden

What to do if you discover a suspected UXO?

If you come across a suspicious object while digging or working on a site, follow these steps:

  • Do not touch, move, or disturb the item.
  • Mark the location and ensure the area is kept clear.
  • Take photos from a safe distance, if possible.
  • Contact the police immediately so they can assess the situation.

Brimstone UXO: UXO disposal specialists

Whether you’re a homeowner, construction company, or developer, UXO risk mitigation services are crucial for ensuring safety and compliance.

Brimstone UXO offers:

  • Pre-construction UXO risk assessments
  • On-site UXO surveys and support
  • Emergency response for UXO finds
  • UXO removal and disposal services

Not sure where to start? Use our handy online tool to find the service that best suits your needs.

For more UXO safety tips and updates, follow Brimstone UXO on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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