Second World War explosive discovered outside Portsmouth
The rusted Second World War six-inch shell was unearthed about one mile from the harbour during a routine dredging operation.
The explosive was towed about a mile-and-a-half east of the Isle of Wight before being detonated by navy divers moments ago.
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Hide AdDredging in the Solent and Harbour is set to continue into next year, in preparation for the arrival of the navy’s new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the first of which will arrive in spring.
The operations has uncovered a number of historic explosives. The latest, a 500lb German bomb, forced a widespread evacuation of residents and shoppers in Gunwharf Quays last month.