According to Surrey Police, a cordon was established in Epsom town center after a member of the public dropped off what was believed to be an unexploded WW2 mortar shell at the front counter of the council offices. Council office staff and residents within 100 meters of the offices were evacuated, and people were asked to stay away from the area while the incident was ongoing. A bomb disposal team was dispatched to the area to address the situation.
On Monday afternoon, Surrey Police said the alleged mortar shell was safely removed from the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council offices. Following the safe removal of the device, the cordon was lifted and residents were allowed to return to their homes. The town center has fully reopened, with police thanking everyone for their patience and cooperation.
The identity of the member of the public who brought in the device remains unknown, and it is unclear what the exact time of the incident and removal was. Authorities have not confirmed whether the device was definitively an unexploded World War 2 mortar shell after examination, and no injuries or damages were reported during the incident. The motive for bringing the device to the council has not been disclosed.