LAST UPDATE: 16:20 22/09
Unexploded WWII device found off Pendennis Headland, Falmouth
Emergency information for residents, businesses and visitors
Cornwall Council is supporting a multi-agency response after an unexploded Second World War device was discovered off Pendennis Headland in Falmouth.
Police and emergency-service partners are managing the incident and are working to establish a 1,400-metre safety cordon on Wednesday, September 23.
If you are in the affected area:
Please follow police instructions and leave the evacuation area if you are told to do so.
Do not enter the cordoned area.
If you have been told to leave, do so promptly.
Do not return until police or emergency services confirm that it is safe.
If you need help to leave, make yourself known to emergency services when they knock on your door.
If you are outside the affected area, please avoid travelling into the area unless necessary.
Cornwall Council is working with the police and emergency-service partners to support residents, including providing a safe place to go for anyone who needs one.
The situation may change as specialist teams assess the device. This means the affected area, road closures and other arrangements may change at short notice.
We will update this page as the situation develops. Information will also be shared through Cornwall Council's official social media channels and by our emergency-service partners.
We understand that an incident of this nature may be concerning and that residents may have questions about their homes, travel, work, pets or access to essential services. The information below answers the most common questions and will be updated as confirmed information becomes available.
Is my address in the evacuation area?
Check the approved map and affected-address information on this page. Some streets may be affected only in part, so check your exact property. Follow any instructions given to you by police even if you cannot find your address.
Check to see if your address is affected
Is my address in the evacuation area?
Check the approved map and affected-address information using the button above. Some streets may be affected only in part, so check your exact property. Follow any instructions given to you by police even if you cannot find your address.
When do I need to leave?
If your property is in the evacuation area, the evacuation procedure would begin at 9.00am on Wednesday 23 September follow the instructions given by police or emergency services. If you can leave without help please do so. Do not wait for a further council update before following an instruction to evacuate.
I cannot leave without help. What should I do?
When police or emergency services begin the evacuation and knock on your door please notify them and tell them what help you need. If officers come to your property, tell them directly.
Where can I go?
Please head to All Saints Church, Killigrew Street The Packet Quays TR11 3PN, or alternatively any area outside the evacuation area.
What should I take?
Take essential medication and medical equipment, your phone and charger, keys, and anything you or your family need while away. Do not delay leaving to gather non-essential belongings.
Should I turn off my water, gas or electricity, open windows, or move my car?
No. Follow the specific instructions issued for this incident. Do not delay your evacuation or return to the cordon to do any of these things unless police tell you it is safe.
I have already left for work. Can I go back to collect things?
Do not enter the evacuation area. If you urgently need medication, medical equipment or another essential item, speak to officers at the cordon.
What happens to schools, nurseries and care services?
Schools, nurseries and care providers will contact the people they support about arrangements specific to them.
I have a medical appointment or a care worker due to visit. What should I do?
If the appointment or visit is within the evacuation area, contact the provider to check arrangements. Tell emergency services who knock on your door if an essential care visit is affected and you need help.
Does this apply to businesses, hotels and visitors?
Yes. Everyone within the affected area must follow police evacuation instructions. Businesses and accommodation providers should pass those instructions to staff, customers and guests.
Will roads, buses, trains or ferries be affected?
Avoid travelling into the affected area. Transport arrangements may change as the incident develops.
Could the evacuation area change?
It may change as specialists assess the incident. If that happens, we will update the map and time-stamp new information on this page. Continue to follow police instructions at the scene.
When can I return home?
Do not go back until police announce that it is safe. We will share that announcement on this page and through official council channels.