An old World War II bomb was found near a major transport hub in the UK January 6 which caused the evacuation of passengers and major delays. The device was found at Duddeston Mill Trading Estate, on Duddeston Mill Road, Washwood Heath, at approximately 9.45am. The discovery triggered an immediate emergency response, according to authorities in the area. The device, believed to be an old mortar, was discovered near the railway line.
Lines between Birmingham New Street and Duddeston were closed as bomb disposal teams came to assess the situation. This fcaused major delays and cancellations on routes to Tamworth, Derby and Sheffield. National Rail said the disruption was likely to continue into the afternoon.
A 100‑metre exclusion zone was set up around the site while specialists assessed the device. Network Rail said it was working with the police, and that services would be disrupted while the situation was made neutralized.
“We are currently supporting West Midlands Police as they deal with an incident in Duddeston,” said a spokesperson. “As a result, some train services are currently disrupted. We will keep you updated with information as we receive it.”
West Midlands Police said later that day that the device had been removed and services reopened.