Work to carry out a controlled explosion on a Second World War bomb in Great Yarmouth is due to recommence after complications halted progress overnight.
The bomb, in Bollard Quay, is in a hazardous location with two main gas pipes running along Southtown Road.
Following advice from experts, the risks have now been assessed and are considered low, so work to cut into the bomb is set to begin again.
Norfolk Constabulary's assistant chief constable Nick Davison and the chair of the Strategic Co-ordinating Group set up through Norfolk’s Local Resilience Forum said: “Throughout this entire operation we are taking the advice of experts from the EOD and the safest option is to disarm this bomb and return to normality.
"Following detailed analysis from experts, the risk of pipes being ruptured, should there be a full detonation, has been deemed highly unlikely.
"The Norfolk Resilience Forum's Strategic Coordination Group has therefore agreed for EOD to continue with their plan to make the bomb safe.
"While highly unlikely that the worst happens, contingencies are in place with appropriate resources and experts on standby during the next phase of the operation.
“On behalf of all the agencies working together to bring about a safe resolution, I would like to repeat my thanks to the public in Great Yarmouth for their understanding and resilience.
"We know this is disrupting people’s lives and all agencies are working very hard to resolve this as soon as we can but with safety and preservation of life at the heart of what we’re doing.”
The device, which is currently surrounded by a sand bank, measures about a metre long, weighs 250kg and is unsafe to move in its current state.
A 400-metre cordon remains in place at the scene.
The cordon has been split into two zones and includes a strict 200-metre inner cordon where people are banned from entering and must leave.
Anyone living in the outer cordon is advised to evacuate.
A no-fly zone remains in place in the immediate vicinity of the device until further notice.
Rest centres remain open at St George’s Theatre in King Street, in Great Yarmouth and Mesh, Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre, Magdalen Way, in Gorleston.
Southtown Road is closed from its junction with Tollgate Road all the way to Beccles Road.
Litchfield Road, off Southtown Road, and Boundary Road, off Southtown Road, are partially closed.
William Adam Way, off Southtown Road, and Tollgate Road, off Southtown Road, are closed.
An emergency helpline for people who require assistance with evacuation from the exclusion zone is also still available. This helpline is 01493 330369 and should not be used for general advice.
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