Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Unexploded WW2 bomb discovered in east London

Police have evacuated the area after the bomb was found by builders on the site in Bethnal Green

Caroline Mortimer
Monday 10 August 2015 18:05 BST
Comments
Police have cordoned off the area after a bomb was discovered in Bethnal Green
Police have cordoned off the area after a bomb was discovered in Bethnal Green (Twitter/Alex Georgiou)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An unexploded bomb believed to be from the Second World War has been discovered in a building site in east London.

The device was found by contractors working at Temple Street in Bethnal Green at around 1pm on Monday.

Specialist police officers are at the scene and surrounding roads have been closed.

Local residents and businesses will be evacuated as a safety precaution, the Metropolitan Police has said.

Bomb experts from the British Army have been called to the scene after a 500kg mortar shell was found during a precautionary bomb survery.

Lady Celeste Luminary, a local performer, told the Standard she was escorted several blocks away by officers.

She said: "At around 12:30pm I was reclining on the couch and I noticed police taping off the street outside. Next thing - bashing on the door.

"I grabbed my keys and we had to walk several blocks away heading east. I'm still in my pyjamas - heaven forbid. I've got my nails done though as I had a show last night. I'm slightly peckish and sitting outside with no purse."

"He explained there was an unexploded WW2 bomb behind our house found under some building renovations.

One resident tweeted it was going to be a "minimum 24-hour evacuation".

London Fire Brigade are on the scene and a 300ft "hazard zone" has been set up around the site, according to the Mail Online.

More to follow

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in