Unexploded bomb found in Chessington

Kingston Police temporarily closed roads in Chessington after a suspected item of unexploded ordnance (UXO) was discovered on Bailey Crescent at approximately 1:58 PM. The discovery prompted immediate action to ensure public safety while specialist teams assessed the item.

What happened?

The suspected UXO was unearthed during building works in the area, an all-too-common occurrence in areas with historical ties to military activity. Upon discovery, cordons were promptly established along Bailey Crescent to restrict access and protect residents.

While there was no mandatory evacuation, some households voluntarily chose to leave their homes as a precaution. The Kings Centre in Coppard Gardens offered temporary shelter to those needing it during the incident.

By 4:15 PM, police confirmed that the situation had been resolved, and roads were reopened. Residents were informed that it was safe to return to their homes. A Kingston Police spokesperson commented: “It looks like it’s been dug up from building works. We have cordons in place along Bailey Crescent.”

Sasha Stevenson, a local resident, shared her experience: “The police asked us to evacuate the house as they had found a suspected military device. So my husband, our daughter, myself, and our dog had to leave the house. Luckily, it was time to do the school run, so we were not out for long. The specialist was in and out in minutes.”

Why does UXO still pose a risk today?

Unexploded ordnance is a legacy of past military activity, including World War II bombing campaigns and training exercises. Many areas in the UK, especially those with a history of heavy wartime activity or military training, remain at risk of UXO discoveries. Construction and development projects often disturb buried ordnance, highlighting the importance of professional UXO risk management.

How Brimstone can help

At Brimstone, we specialise in navigating the risks associated with UXO, working closely with our clients to ensure their sites are safe for development. Our UXO services include:

• Pre-construction risk assessments: Comprehensive desktop studies to identify potential UXO risks on your site and in the surrounding area.
• UXO surveys: Utilising advanced surveying equipment to detect and map potential ordnance hidden beneath the surface.
• On-site support: EOD engineers on-site to monitor and support your ground intrusion activities.
• UXO clearance: Safely removing or neutralising ordnance to ensure sites are free from explosive hazards.

If you’re planning a construction or development project and are unsure about UXO risks, our online tool can help you determine the best service for your needs.

Lessons from Chessington

The Chessington incident underscores the importance of proactive UXO risk management on construction sites. While the situation was resolved swiftly, it serves as a reminder that UXO can surface unexpectedly, causing disruption and potential danger. Partnering with a professional UXO risk mitigation company, like Brimstone, can help prevent such disruptions and keep projects on track.

Stay informed

For the latest updates on UXO safety and our services, follow Brimstone on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of UXO risk management.

Don’t let UXO risks delay your project. Reach out to Brimstone for expert guidance and tailored solutions to ensure safety and peace of mind. Visit our website to learn more or get in touch with our team.