World War Two bomb dug up on London building site

Police and Army bomb disposal experts are expected to remain at the scene until at least Friday afternoon.

The scene of an unexploded bomb in Brent, north west London. Pic: British Army
Image: Dozens of people have had to leave their homes in the area while the bomb is dealt with. Pic: British Army
Why you can trust Sky News

Dozens of people have had to leave their homes after the discovery of an unexploded World War Two bomb on a London building site.

Army bomb disposal experts were called to the scene in Brondesbury Park after the device was discovered at about 11.30am on Thursday.

A 200m cordon was set up and schools, businesses and homes evacuated.

The cordon is expected to be extended to around 300m on Friday morning, meaning more residents will join the 50 sheltering at St Martin's Church in Kensal Green.

British Red Cross volunteers are helping those affected.

Work on the site at The Avenue is expected to continue until at least Friday afternoon.

The scene of an unexploded wartime bomb in Brent. Pic: Met Police
Image: The cordon is to be exteneded and more people are expected to be evacuated on Friday. Pic: Met Police

Roads in the area are closed and motorists have been advised to stay away.

More on London

Among those who had to leave were pupils and staff at Marylebone Boys' School, who had only been at their Christchurch Avenue site since Monday.

Headteacher Richard Ardron told The Brent & Kilburn Times: "The first we knew about it was when the builders next door said they had found something suspicious and had called the police and were awaiting what they said.

"Next thing, we had the police coming who said it looks really suspicious and we need to evacuate the building."

Superintendent Nigel Quantrell said: "I would like to thank the community for their continued support as we and our partners deal with this incident.

"I can assure you that we are working very hard to resolve the situation.

"The public's understanding and cooperation is deeply appreciated."