Westfield Shopping Centre evacuated after unexploded World War II bomb found
Police cordoned off a 400m area around Westfield Shopping Centre after reports of an unexploded bomb on a building site in London
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.Westfield Shopping Centre was evacuated after a World War Two bomb was reportedly found nearby.
Police, ambulance and fire brigade services were called to Shepherd's Bush at 10.41am to reports of an unexploded bomb.
The call came from a building site in Ariel Way, White City, after the unexploded ordnance was discovered.
The shell was approximately 13.5 inches in length and around six inches wide.
Shoppers and staff at Westfield, next to where the device was found, were evacuated and roads surrounding the area were cordoned off in an exclusion zone of 400 meters.
Police officers from Hammersmith and Fulham assisted with the evacuation of a number of premises close to the building site as a precaution.
Specialist officers removed the suspected bomb at 12.40pm for examination.
"The matter has now been stood down," a police statement said.
Local roads have been reopened but congestion in the area is likely for some time.
Shoppers and workers have now been allowed back into the buildings and the device is being examined by explosive specialists.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments