Unexploded bomb causes severe delays at major train station

Some rail services remain disrupted following evacuations from Duddeston station and nearby trading estate

An unexploded wartime bomb has been found near a major transport hub, causing an evacuation of passengers and severe delays.

Train services across Birmingham were disrupted on Tuesday morning after the device – believed to be an old mortar – was discovered near a railway line.

It was found at Duddeston Mill Trading Estate, on Duddeston Mill Road, Washwood Heath, at around 9.45am, triggering an immediate emergency response.

Lines between Birmingham New Street and Duddeston were closed as bomb disposal teams moved in, forcing major delays and cancellations on routes to Tamworth, Derby and Sheffield.

National Rail warned disruption could continue into the afternoon.

Services from Birmingham New Street were cancelled after a Second World War bomb was found close to Duddeston Station (Simon Calder)

A 100‑metre exclusion zone was set up around the site while specialists assessed the device.

Network Rail said it was working with the police, adding that services would remain disrupted while the incident is made safe.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently supporting West Midlands Police as they deal with an incident in Duddeston.

“As a result, some train services are currently disrupted. We will keep you updated with information as we receive it.”

Later on Tuesday, West Midlands Police told The Independent that the device had been removed and services would reopen.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “The EOD bomb disposal team attended and made the mortar safe. The exclusion zone has been lifted and nearby railway line reopened.”

In an update, National Rail said: “All lines have now reopened following an earlier wartime bomb near the railway at Birmingham New Street.”

“Trains running to/from and through this station may continue to be cancelled, delayed by up to 50 minutes, revised or diverted.”

They added: “Disruption is now expected until 15:00.”

Thousands of unexploded Second World War bombs are found around the UK every year. Around 8,000 a year are dealt with by the private sector, while the military assists in larger operations.

Construction, dredging, and offshore projects frequently uncover unexploded ordnance, with those on land often found buried deep beneath the surface. At sea, the vast quantities of unexploded devices from both the First and Second World Wars are a significant hazard for offshore activities, including wind farms.

In 2024, a 500kg unexploded Nazi bomb was found by a man working on an extension in Plymouth. Hundreds of homes were evacuated in one of the country’s largest evacuations since the Second World War, and a military convoy was brought in to transport it through the streets. It was detonated at sea.