Second World War explosive discovered outside Portsmouth

BOMB disposal experts from the Royal Navy have destroyed an explosive discovered off the coast of Portsmouth this afternoon.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Dec 2016, 15:40 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 18:04 BST
An aerial photograph of Portsmouth Dockyard, which was taken as part of a Photex, it was taken from 2,000 feet. The Photex was conducted for 849 NAS based at RNAS Culdrose, by a Lynx MK3 from 815 NAS based at RNAS Yeovilton, testing a new radar system that will detect buildings and ships within the dockyard area. PPP-151116-111848001An aerial photograph of Portsmouth Dockyard, which was taken as part of a Photex, it was taken from 2,000 feet. The Photex was conducted for 849 NAS based at RNAS Culdrose, by a Lynx MK3 from 815 NAS based at RNAS Yeovilton, testing a new radar system that will detect buildings and ships within the dockyard area. PPP-151116-111848001
An aerial photograph of Portsmouth Dockyard, which was taken as part of a Photex, it was taken from 2,000 feet. The Photex was conducted for 849 NAS based at RNAS Culdrose, by a Lynx MK3 from 815 NAS based at RNAS Yeovilton, testing a new radar system that will detect buildings and ships within the dockyard area. PPP-151116-111848001

The rusted Second World War six-inch shell was unearthed about one mile from the harbour during a routine dredging operation.

The explosive was towed about a mile-and-a-half east of the Isle of Wight before being detonated by navy divers moments ago.

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Dredging in the Solent and Harbour is set to continue into next year, in preparation for the arrival of the navy’s new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the first of which will arrive in spring.

The operations has uncovered a number of historic explosives. The latest, a 500lb German bomb, forced a widespread evacuation of residents and shoppers in Gunwharf Quays last month.

Related topics:PortsmouthRoyal NavyIsle of WightGunwharf Quays