Residents react to discovery of Second World War bomb

Suffolk Constabulary were called by a resident on Lindbergh Road in Ipswich on Monday after builders dug up the Spigot Mortar.

The spigot mortar was an anti-tank weapon used by the army in the early years of the Second World War.

One resident, Art, said: "The police came to the door to let us know about a bomb.

Lindbergh Road (Image: Tom Cann)

"They said they didn’t know if it was active or not but I'm pleased to hear it’s been taken away."

Another who wished to be anonymous said: "It's a shock, obviously, just don't expect the road you live on to have an undiscovered bomb in it.

"I am glad it was removed quickly."

Priory Heath ward councillor Ruman Muhith said: "I was informed earlier today of the incident on Lindbergh Road and my first concern is for the safety and wellbeing of residents who were understandably disrupted and evacuated while the item was assessed.

Councillor Ruman Muhith (Image: Ruman Muhith)

"I would like to thank Suffolk Police and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team for their swift and professional response. Their actions ensured the area was made safe quickly and calmly, which will have reassured many people locally.

"While alarming at first, discoveries like this are a reminder of Ipswich’s place in our national story. During the early years of the Second World War, Suffolk formed part of the country’s frontline coastal defence and weapons such as this were issued to local Home Guard units in preparation for a possible invasion. It is therefore not unusual for items to occasionally be uncovered as our town continues to grow and develop.

"I appreciate this will have been unsettling for nearby residents, and I am grateful for their patience and cooperation while emergency services carried out their work."

Councillor Owen Bartholomew (Image: Ipswich Labour)

Fellow councillor Owen Bartholomew said: "I'm sorry to hear that residents on the road were distressed by the bomb but I am pleased action was taken to remove the bomb.

"I urge them to be vigilant in that area and report it immediately."

Councillor Alasdair Ross, who is former Army, said: "That area at the time being a heath close to the race track and used for military training ready for war, there'll be munitions but these are very unlikely to go off due to the length of time of being in the ground.

"If you do find anything, be sure to contact the police immediately and it will be disposed off quickly. Leave it alone and report it."

Councillor Alasdair Ross (Image: Lucy Taylor)