Suspected unexploded bombs found under Malton driveway

Two unexploded bombs, believed to date back to World War II, have been discovered beneath a driveway in Malton. The suspected munitions were unearthed by workmen digging up the old road surface near a veterinary practice in the Ryedale town.

Details of the discovery

Brian Abbott, the owner of the veterinary practice, recounted the surprising find: “We’re doing some digging in the garden, and just excavated a bit of driveway when we found what looked like two mortar bombs. About the size of a wine bottle, with a narrow end. One was obviously empty, just a casing. The other it was difficult to tell. We didn’t want to get too close.”

Recognising the potential risk, Mr Abbott called the police, who are now at the scene. Bomb disposal experts have been dispatched to safely assess and remove the ordnance. Although Mr Abbott assured that there is “an extremely low risk” of any immediate danger, safety precautions have been implemented. Staff at the practice, along with workmen in a neighbouring property, have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Mr Abbott himself has been advised to stay indoors.

Adding to the intrigue, workers also uncovered what appeared to be several rifle cartridges during the excavation. One of the workers remarked, “Apparently there used to be a Dad’s Army, Home Guard kind of thing down the road, so obviously they were pretty active.”

The Legacy of WWII unexploded bombs in the UK

The discovery of these unexploded munitions highlights the lingering impact of WWII on the UK’s landscape. During the war, Home Guard units were established across the country, often storing munitions in makeshift facilities. While these precautions were vital to national defence efforts at the time, they have left behind a hidden legacy of unexploded ordnance that continues to be unearthed during construction and excavation projects.

The importance of UXO risk mitigation

Unexploded ordnance poses significant safety risks to the public and can lead to costly delays in construction and development projects. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive UXO risk management, particularly in areas with known military history.

How Brimstone UXO can help

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in managing UXO risks for projects across the UK and internationally. Our comprehensive range of services includes:

• Historical research and risk assessments: Identifying potential UXO risks before ground is broken.
• On-site UXO surveys: Using advanced technology to detect and map unexploded bombs.
• UXO clearance and disposal: Safely removing and disposing of items of UXO.

If you’re planning a construction or development project, Brimstone UXO can provide the expertise and support needed to navigate UXO challenges safely and efficiently. Contact our commercial team at enquire@brimstoneuxo.com or 020 7117 2492 for tailored advice and assistance.

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