More than 150 bombs from World War II were discovered under a children’s playground in Wooler, Northumberland, England, during a construction project on January 14, 2025. The discovery raised concerns about the potential presence of more unexploded ordnance in the area, prompting investigations by local officials and specialists.
- Over 150 WWII bombs found in playground
- Discovery made during construction project
- Brimstone Site Investigations conducted survey
- Practice bombs still potentially hazardous
- Wooler was a WWII Home Guard training site
- Contractors hope to resume work in April
The discovery of the bombs occurred while workers were digging foundations for the renovation of Scotts Park playground. Initially, a “suspicious object” was found, which was identified as a practice bomb. Following this, Brimstone Site Investigations was contracted to assess the site, revealing a much larger problem than anticipated.
On the first day of the investigation, 65 practice bombs, each weighing 10 pounds, and smoke cartridges were identified. By the end of the second day, an additional 90 practice bombs were recovered and safely stored. These practice bombs still contained hazardous materials, including intact fuses and contents, necessitating specialized removal.
Local officials noted that Wooler had served as a training center for the Home Guard during World War II, which likely contributed to the ordnance being buried in the area. Mark Mather, a local official, expressed concern about the safety of children who had been playing in the park, stating that it was surprising to think they had been playing on bombs. The Ministry of Defense has ordered a full survey of the site to ensure safety before construction can resume.
The situation in Wooler highlights the ongoing challenges of dealing with unexploded ordnance from historical conflicts. As investigations continue, local authorities hope to ensure the safety of the playground and its visitors before resuming construction work.
