Residents may be able to return to their homes tomorrow

Alex Driscoll Breaking news reporter

21:50, 15 Jan 2026

(Image: Will Stevens)

Residents face a second night away from their homes as a bomb cordon has been expanded, evacuating a further 500 homes in the seaside town.

A bomb was dredged from Exmouth Marina on Wednesday, January 14, and around 2,000 properties were evacuated throughout yesterday and last night.

In an update tonight (Thursday, January 15), East Devon District Council said the cordon had been expanded to 600 metres as of 9pm, with a further 500 properties being evacuated as a result.

It means that a total of around 2,500 properties have been evacuated since the bomb was discovered.

The council also said the bomb is set to be transported out to sea at high tide in the early hours of tomorrow morning (Friday) in order to be disposed of.

The increased cordon area(Image: )

Residents within the cordon are being asked to leave their homes as soon as possible and are advised to stay with friends and family.

The Evacuation Assembly Point, at Exmouth LED Leisure Centre, remains open to provide help and support, said the council.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police are knocking on the doors of properties affected by the cordon.

Bomb disposal experts have assessed the device and it has been agreed the bomb will be carefully transported to sea at high tide in the early hours of tomorrow morning (Friday).

The bomb will then be disposed of and, following this, roads around the marina will begin to be reopened.

Residents will then be allowed back to their homes when it is safe to do so.

The cordon in Exmouth.(Image: Will Stevens)

Assistant Chief Constable Nicki Leaper said: “We understand this has been an extremely unsettling time for the community, especially those who have been displaced from their homes, but safety has been our overriding concern throughout.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support with this cordon being put in place and maintained this evening and tonight leading to a return to some normality for all on Friday.”

One local posted on Facebook after the new cordon was announced: “It is apocalyptic and very scary to leave now – I have got no choice, this cordon is being extended to past Prezzo now.”

To keep up with the latest updates regarding the Exmouth bomb, visit our live blog here.