UPDATE: Following further assessment the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) have now established that the device found this afternoon on a construction site at Maesglas Retail Park is not a bomb and doesn’t pose any risk to the public.
The cordon, which had been put up as a precaution, is now being taken down and roads will be reopened.
Chief Inspector Rod Grindlay said,
“We would like to thank the community for their patience and support whilst enquiries were carried out.
Our priority at all times was ensuring everyone’s safety whilst trying to minimise any disruption.”
The Explosives Ordanance Division (EOD) has now confirmed that they believe the item found on a construction site at Maesglas Retail Park at about 12.45pm today is a World War II bomb.
The EOD is currently assessing the situation, a number of businesses and shops on the Park have been evacuated and a cordon has been put in place as a precautionary measure.
St Michaels Primary school was evacuated earlier as a precaution and pupils were taken to Pill Millennium centre to be collected by their parents/guardians.
9 properties on Mendalgief Road have been evacuated
Residents are advised to avoid the area if possible as the cordon has resulted in a number of road closures which have created significant congestion.
Officers and CSOs are in the area providing local residents with reassurance.
