An unexploded second world war bomb has been discovered in east London, resulting in about 150 people being evacuated from the properties.
Army bomb disposal experts from Colchester, Essex were dispatched to the junction of Temple Street and Old Bethnal Green Road after builders discovered the 500lb bomb at around 12.45pm on Monday. The Metropolitan police and London fire brigade are on site.
Homes and business premises were cleared as a safety precaution, and a 100m hazard zone was put in place, restricting access by pedestrians and traffic.
Workers and residents close to the scene shared images on social media.
Just been evacuated due to an unexploded WW2 bomb today. Different pic.twitter.com/8wcPgHhPrU
— Scott Grummett (@scottgrummett) August 10, 2015
Locked out of our studio. Deadlines looming! Builders found a WW2 unexploded bomb. pic.twitter.com/6YH1BTm3bW
— Ndu Wodu (@Ndu_Wodu) August 10, 2015
We're working with the Police & @TowerHamletsNow at unexploded WW2 bomb in #BethnalGreen. 100m hazard zone in place. pic.twitter.com/wrmdOBrMND
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) August 10, 2015
A Tower Hamlets council spokesman said: “We have been made aware that an unexploded world war two bomb has been uncovered at a building site in Bethnal Green, at the junction of Temple Street and Old Bethnal Green Road. The surrounding area is currently cordoned off to pedestrians and traffic.
“We are taking the advice of the Metropolitan police and London fire brigade and will follow the council’s emergency planning procedure to ensure residents and visitors to the borough are kept safe. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid this area. We have set up a rest centre in a local school with a full rest centre team en route to the school.”
Transport for London (TFL) said there was no impact to Tube or overground services, but that four bus routes faced some diversions.
