Bomb squad explode device after Monmouth residents evacuated

PEOPLE were evacuated from their homes early on Saturday (October 3) evening before bomb disposal experts exploded a device.

Residents on the King Henry V estate off the link road in Monmouth were told to leave their houses as bomb disposal experts dealt with the incident in Castle Close.

A Gwent Police spokesperson confirmed: “We supported the specialist trained personnel from the army’s explosive ordnance disposal unit (EOD) in Castle Close, Monmouth, following reports of explosive items being located at a property on Saturday 3 October.

“A 100-metre cordon was established and those living within this area were taken to a safe location within the town centre.

“One item was destroyed with a controlled explosion; two further items were removed from the property for further testing.

“We’d like to thank the public for their understanding and patience as well as our partner agencies for ensuring the safety of our communities.”

Posters on social media said police had detained someone, and Gwent Police have been asked whether anyone was arrested, but are yet to respond.

Residents said Monmouth's Link road was cordoned off from the Shell petrol station and Premier Inn up onto the A40 bridge and down towards Wonastow Road.

One posted around 10pm: "It affected a lot of lives in King Henry plus a few more streets, as we all had to get evacuated from our homes, but all back to normal now. Yes there was a bomb scare but it wasn’t just a scare it was real!"

Another said around the same time: "Police mentioned two bombs. Loud bang and a few hours later they’ve just let everyone home."

One woman added: "Kids coming home to be told they can't go home and their family have had to evacuate...

"Old people struggling with the cold as no time allowed to get any essentials despite multiple officers on our road since the early hours.

"Young kids and dogs stood outside a cordon for hours and absolutely no explanation allowed to be given out.

"Only heard we were allowed back to our homes through word of mouth from neighbours. Absolutely ridiculous situation."