Yarmouth unexploded device - major incident declared

Army specialists remain on scene and a 400metre cordon is in place while local residents in the affected area are strongly advised to evacuate their homes as a precaution.

Several road closures are in place as a result and local residents are advised that the disruption will continue into the morning, with the cordon expected to remain in place for another 24 hours.

The Explosion Ordnance Device team are working to safely resolve the incident and rest centres have been opened for residents affected.

Norfolk's emergency services and local authorities have declared a major incident and have activated tried and tested emergency plans which are being put in place.

Local policing commander Chief Inspector Matt Dyson said: "Our priority will always be the safety of the public and we're working alongside our partners and taking advice from army experts around cordons while work continues to safely resolve the incident.

"We appreciate the measures put in place for people's safety will cause some disruption however public safety is paramount and we would advise people these restrictions will be in place overnight and into tomorrow.

"Rest centres have been opened and officers along with staff from the borough council are visiting homes to check and identify any vulnerable people who need assistance."

The rest centres are at the following locations:

• St Georges Theatre - King Street, Great Yarmouth
• Mesh - Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre, Magdalen Way, Gorleston

The following road closures are in place:

• They are at: Southtown Road - closed from its junction with Tollgate Road all the way to Beccles Road.
• Litchfield Road, off Southtown Road, is partially closed.
• Williams Adam Way, off Southtown Road, is closed.
• Boundary Road, off Southtown Road, is partially closed.
• Tollgate Road, off Southtown Road, is closed.

Officers are asking pedestrians and motorists to avoid the area.

An emergency helpline has been set-up for people who require assistance with evacuation from the exclusion zone. This helpline is 01493 330369 and should not be used for general advice.

Updates will be issued pro-actively.