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Unexploded WW2 bomb dredged at Portsmouth Harbour

Restrictions have been lifted after a 500lb WW2 bomb was found at Portsmouth Harbour during dredging work for the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers. It has been safely detonated at sea off the Isle of Wight. Trains and ferries were cancelled and residents advised to stay in their homes following the discovery.

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WW2 unexploded bomb to be detonated

This WW2 bomb was discovered at Portsmouth Harbour Credit: Royal Navy

The bomb squad will detonate an "unexploded ordnance" in Portsmouth Harbour, found during preparations for the arrival of a new Royal Navy aircraft carrier.

Hampshire Constabulary said the device was found during a dredging operation. It comes five days after a wartime device was destroyed by bomb disposal experts at the harbour.

The bomb was discovered at Portsmouth Harbour Credit: Mark Smith

Divers from the Royal Navy’s Portsmouth-based Southern Diving Unit 2 are on the scene.

They are working alongside the Ministry of Defence Police, Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire Constabulary, the Queen’s Harbour Master and other organisations to ensure public safety and minimise disruption.

The entrance to Portsmouth Harbour is currently closed until the Royal Navy bomb disposal team can safely dispose of the ordnance.

Passengers being allowed back onto the Gosport ferry Credit: Phil Theobald

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