Army carry out controlled explosion after WWII bomb found at Hereford racecourse
THE Army carried out a controlled explosion after a World War II bomb was found in a car park at Hereford racecourse.
Residents reported hearing a loud bang as the anti-tank weapon was disposed of on Sunday.
The Ministry of Defence said a 29mm Spigot Mortar was found in nearby Aylesbrook Road.
Those living nearby were evacuated and a cordon was set up to ensure its safe detonation.
An Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended after being contacted by West Mercia Police.
Hereford’s general manager Camilla Esling told the Racing Post: “The bomb was found in a local housing estate that backs onto our car park, which was the closest open space for the army to dispose of it.
“We weren’t contacted but they dealt with it as swiftly as they could.
“There are gates into the car park so they could clear the area easily.
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“Thankfully we had space to accommodate that and luckily it wasn’t on the actual racecourse ahead of our next meeting on Saturday.”
One photo posted on social media showed a person in combat gear handling a small, round device.
In 2016 roughly 100 people stayed at Bath racecourse overnight after a 500lb World War II explosive was found nearby.
The 1997 Grand National was famously delayed by two days after a bomb threat.
Racegoers fled Aintree racecourse in their droves after two threats were received over telephone.
One warned an explosive device had been planted within the racecourse on the day of the world’s most famous race.
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