From sudden deaths and fatal crashes to armed stand-offs and a dramatic military exercise, Plymouth’s emergency services have been pushed to their limits in an extremely busy week for the city.
Police, paramedics and firefighters have worked around the clock responding to a string of serious incidents that brought tragedy, confusion and moments of quiet heroism.
Military exercise sparks terror fears
The week started with panic on Plymouth Hoe as an unannounced military and police training exercise stunned residents shortly after 8.30pm.
Specialist police units surrounded a vehicle filled with uniformed military personnel, who were fiercely detained in full view of the public.
Many residents feared a terror attack was unfolding. Devon and Cornwall Police later confirmed it was a urban invasion drill, carried out in coordination with RAF St Mawgan. The RAF later apologised, saying:
"There was no intention to cause alarm to the public and we apologise if this training has done so."
Man found dead in Freedom Fields Park
The next morning, a man in his 40s was found dead at Freedom Fields Park. Emergency services responded to a concern for welfare call at 11.15am, but sadly, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Devon and Cornwall Police later confirmed that the death was not suspicious but said they had referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previous contact with the man.
Armed standoff in Honicknowle
That night, police and firearms officers responded to reports of a man making threats to harm himself and others at a property on Honicknowle Green.
A woman left the address safely. A cordon was set up and roads were closed. The man later left the property at 9.55pm and was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after being checked over by paramedics.
Fatal crash on Southway Lane
The next afternoon, a white van crashed into the wall of a home on Southway Lane, killing a man in his 40s.
The crash occurred shortly before 2.30pm. Emergency services launched a huge response including the Devon Air Ambulance, fire crews and serious collision investigators.
Police closed the road for hours and are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage.
Armed police called to McDonald’s brawl
That same evening, a bizarre incident at the Tavistock Road McDonald’s led to a full armed response.
A man who had passed out in the restaurant later became aggressive, throwing items at staff including a water bottle and a cup at the assistant manager.
Three armed response units arrived and arrested the man. He was later de-arrested and taken to hospital over health concerns. Police say he will be interviewed once medically fit.
Cyclist fighting for life after crash in Woolwell
On Thursday morning, a male cyclist was rushed to Derriford Hospital with life-threatening injuries after a collision involving a silver Ford Fiesta on Woolwell Roundabout.
The incident happened just before 10am. Police closed the road and launched a serious collision investigation. Officers are urging anyone with footage or information to come forward.
Person dies in Stoke Village
The week sadly ended in another tragedy after a large emergency response on Devonport Road in Stoke Village late on Saturday night.
A coroners ambulance and detectives were seen at the scene after a person had died. No further details have yet been released.
Behind every flashing blue light were teams of dedicated emergency responders giving everything they had, often under extreme pressure. Their commitment, courage and professionalism stood out at every turn.
We know this has also been an unsettling and, in some cases, heartbreaking week for many people across our city. Families are grieving, others are still waiting for answers, and emergency crews are still working behind the scenes long after the headlines fade.
At Plymouth Plus, we have worked hard to bring you accurate and timely updates on every single one of these serious incidents. From the first callouts to the latest developments, our reporting has been grounded in facts, compassion and service to our readers.
As Plymouth takes a collective breath, one thing is clear. This city is resilient and the people who serve it every day, whether they are in uniform, in scrubs or working behind the scenes, have once again shown what it means to care.
If you have been affected by any of the incidents mentioned in this report, support is available. Contact Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
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