Solomon Islands Village Appeals to Police to Remove Roadside UXO

Kariki Village, Solomon Islands Residents of a Solomon Island village are asking for assistance from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) after the discovery of UXO along a road in Kariki Village.

The ordnance is reportedly located in an area commonly used for gardening and day-to-day activities, presenting an potentially dangerous risk to the local community, especially women and children.

One resident said, "This bomb has been here for some time, and people pass through the area every day to go to their gardens. We are very worried that an accident could happen at any time, especially involving children."

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Charges Pending Following Pain in the Butt Munitions Response

Toulouse, France Bomb disposal units responded to a French hospital to defuse a WWI-era munition stuck in a man's rectum. Medics discovered the eight-inch shell dating back to 1918 during surgery, prompting a mass evacuation of Rangueil Hospital.

Police and firefighters were also called in while bomb technicians successfully rendered the munition safe. The unidentified man is still recovering from surgery and could possibly be charged for violating France's weapons legislation.

A police spokesperson said, "He was in a state of extreme discomfort, having inserted a large object up his rectum. Emergency surgery was carried out, and the object was found to be an artillery shell dating back to the First World War."

"Worse still, it had not exploded and so bomb disposal experts had to be called to defuse the shell, with the fire brigade standing by."

The 37mm brass-and-copper shell was used by the Imperial German Army near the end of WWI. The man is scheduled to be interviewed by police pending a potential charge for handling "category A munitions", according to police.

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"Washed Out" Ordnance Destroyed by EOD

Dartmouth, England A Coastguard team and the bomb squad were called to a beach in Dartmouth after a suspicious device was found. The munition washed ashore on Strete Gate beach, prompting the Dartmouth Coastguard Rescue Team to set up a cordon while Royal Navy EOD from Plymouth responded.

The unidentified ordnance was destroyed through remote detonation. According to the coastguard rescue team, it was the second ordnance callout in less than a week.

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Beached Anti-tank Mine Detonated by EOD

South Devon, England The Dartmouth Coastguard Rescue Team responded to Hallsands beach for a reported suspect ordnance. A cordon was established around the anti-tank mine, while awaiting arrival of a Royal Navy EOD team from Plymouth.

Thermal camera images were used to confirm that the cordoned area was indeed clear of people, so EOD could dispose of the UXO through a controlled explosion. According to officials, the loud detonation proved that the mine was a live device.

The Coastguard issued a reminder that if you find ordnance on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, try to get a detailed location and remain a safe distance from it.

Military Marine Marker Washes Ashore

Lennox Head Beach, Australia Police were called to Lennox Head Beach to reports of a UXO that washed ashore. Officials from the Richmond Police District Rescue Squad secured the area, and the Australian Defence Force responded to detonate the marine location marker through a controlled explosion.

Officials took the opportunity to remind the public that if potential ordnance is found, leave the suspected item in place and contact local police immediately.

Two 'Significant' WWII Ordnance Finds Lead to Mass Evacuations

Plymouth, England A 400-m cordon was established in the Millbay area following the discovery of a 50-kg German WWII bomb on a building site in Plymouth. Schools, hotels and homes in the area were forced to evacuate while explosive specialists responded.

A second unexploded WWII bomb was also found in Exmouth at the same time, forcing some 2,000 homes to be evacuated. This bomb remains on a dredger in the marina while investigations continue. Officials described it as a "significant piece of ordnance".


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