Suspicious items discovered near Ronaldsway on Friday have been safely disposed of by a specialist UK team, the Police have said.
The items were found by contractors working for the Department of Infrastructure on June 20, prompting a multi-agency response involving the Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, Isle of Man Constabulary, Emergency Planning, Health and Safety officers, airport executives, and Civil Defence.
Two contractors who had close exposure to the items were taken to Noble’s Hospital for checks but were discharged the same day.
“Initial observations of the items gave concern that there was a possible risk to the public in the immediate area,” the Police confirmed.
Derbyhaven Road was temporarily closed as a precaution while further tests were conducted with UK partners.
Contractors
Flights operated as normal, but some residents were evacuated and access to nearby businesses was restricted.
The area remained secure overnight under Police and Civil Defence supervision until the items were destroyed on Saturday June 21. Access to properties was later restored once deemed safe.
Authorities suspect the items were “a type of phosphorous device left undiscovered for many decades, probably going back as far as the 1940s”.
Further investigations involving the contractors, DoI, and Health and Safety officers are now underway.
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