Authorities in the United Kingdom have uncovered more than 160 unexploded practice bombs from World War II beneath a children's playground, revealing a much larger issue than

initially suspected.

The discovery was made in Wooler, England—approximately 45 miles north of Newcastle—where officials from the Wooler Parish Council were conducting a survey following the initial finding of a single unexploded ordnance on January 14. This prompted a thorough search of the area before proceeding with expansion work on the playground.

What was initially planned as a two-day survey, beginning on January 23, quickly escalated into a more extensive operation. On the first day alone, workers recovered 65 unexploded practice bombs, each weighing around 10 pounds, along with smoke cartridges. The sheer number of explosives found far exceeded expectations.

Despite stormy weather, the excavation continued into the second day, expanding the search area to two square miles. By the end of the day, an additional 90 unexploded practice bombs had been recovered.

Authorities emphasized the importance of professional removal, as the practice bombs, while not live munitions, still contained charges and posed a safety risk. Officials ensured that all recovered ordnances were immediately secured in a safe location.

As a result of the discovery, the playground expansion project has been temporarily put on hold until the site is deemed completely safe. Officials expect work to resume later in the spring.

A spokesperson from the Northumberland County Council acknowledged the unexpected nature of the find but reassured the community that extra funding had been secured to facilitate the necessary safety measures. "The County Council has been pleased to support the town and the local community in developing this new facility, which will be a valuable asset for residents and visitors alike. Ensuring the area is safe remains our top priority." Photo by Flightsoffancy at English Wikipedia.