Unexploded Second World War bomb found in Bethnal Green

An unexploded Second World War bomb has been discovered at a building site in east London, leading to the evacuation of 150 people from local residents and businesses.

Bomb disposal experts were called to Temple Street, Bethnal Green, after the unexploded device was found by contractors at around 12.45pm on Monday.

Several roads have been closed with police warning of "significant traffic disruption".

A Tower Hamlets spokesperson 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.

"Further information will follow in due course."

Police have advised motorists to avoid several roads including: Old Bethnal Green Road, Warner Place, Squarres Street, Bethnal Green Road, Cambridge Heath Road and Hackney Road.

After the 250kg mortar shell was discovered a 100-metre hazard zone was set up by London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police.

Transport for London (TFL) said there was no impact to Tube or overground services, but that four bus routes faced mini-diversions.

Last month a similar unexploded device was discovered in west London, leading to the closure of the Westfield shopping centre.

Army experts were called in from Colchester around 4pm, as part of a long-standing partnership with the Met police, said the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Specialists from the Explosive Ordnance Unit arrived at the scene just after 5pm.