A routine renovation project at Scotts Play Park in Wooler, Northumberland, turned into a high-stakes operation after workers unearthed scores of unexploded World War II bombs, prompting immediate intervention by bomb disposal experts.
According to the Wooler Parish Council, local officials called in the British Army after the initial discovery of two bombs. Following expert advice, a full-scale survey of the playground was launched, leading to the recovery of 65 practice bombs and smoke cartridges on the first day. An additional 90 practice bombs were found on the second day, bringing the total to 174 devices so far.
Despite being practice bombs, authorities stressed that they still contained explosive charges, necessitating careful removal by professionals. The discovery has forced the closure of the playground, with further excavations planned to ensure the area is completely safe before reopening.
Local politician Mark Mather told the BBC that the site had likely been used for Home Guard training during World War II, with ordnance later buried after the war.
This is not the first time unexploded WWII bombs have been found in the UK. In February 2024, a 500-kilogram bomb discovered in a Plymouth garden led to mass evacuations before it was safely disposed of at sea.
