More than 170 bombs found under children’s playground

LONDON (WKRC) – More than 170 bombs were discovered underneath a children’s playground and more were believed to still be found, according to CBS News and BBC.

The 176 World War Two bombs were found under a children’s playpark in northern England, according to BBC. The first bomb, which still contained a charge, was discovered in Wooler, Northumberland, in January and led to much larger finds.

According to CBS News, the playground was in the process of being updated when staff found the first bomb while digging the foundation.

It was believed the area had been used as a Home Guard training ground and the military supplies was buried at the end of the war, according to BBC.

Wooler Parish Council released a statement on the situation that said in-part:

On the first day of works, a further 65 10lb practice bombs were recovered in an area less than 1m sq with smoke cartridges also being recovered from the same pit. Whilst this ordnance is described a practice bombs, they do still carry a charge and given the numbers involved, need to be recovered by professionals to satisfy all concerned that the playpark area is once again safe for contractors and ultimately users of the equipment. (As these have been found with their fuse and contents still intact – and the detonator burster and smoke filling in-particular can still be potentially hazardous)

The statement ended by saying:

Clearly this find was unexpected but we are pleased to have been able to find the extra funding to allow this crucial work to be done safely.