BOMBS AWAY
Watch moment WWII bomb EXPLODES while experts worked to defuse it – with huge blast heard for miles in Great Yarmouth
THIS is the shocking moment a World War Two bomb suddenly exploded as experts worked to diffuse it.
The huge blast was heard for miles across Great Yarmouth, , on Friday as thick plumes of smoke filled the sky.
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Authorities in the town declared a major incident after the unexploded 3ft device was discovered at a river crossing on Tuesday.
They had been working to disarm it when it unexpectedly detonated on Friday.
Witnesses said on social media they felt buildings shake up to 15 miles away.
No one was injured in the blast, police said.
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The 250kg device was discovered by a contractor working on the third crossing over the River Yare.
Army specialists built a protective 8ft wall of sandbags around the bomb in case it detonated and the area was cordoned off by cops.
They planned to carry out a controlled explosion on Thursday, but this was halted when water needed for the process reduced the effectiveness of the sand barrier.
Specialists then switched to a slow burn technique, which was being done when the bomb blew up.
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Norfolk Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davison said: "This has been a painstakingly long process but public safety and that of the people involved in the operation has been at the heart of decision making.
"This was the final phase of a delicate operation which has caused much disruption in the town, but we're hopeful this could be resolved soon and that cordons can be lifted, if everything goes to plan."
A spokesman for Cadent, which manages the local gas mains network, said: "Our team has carried out a close inspection of our pipes in the vicinity.
"There is no indication that the blast has caused damage to our assets and gas continues to flow safely."
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