Contractors in London unearthed what military officials believed to be an unexploded German bomb from World War II, prompting the evacuation of about 150 people.
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Police, firefighters and Army bomb disposal experts were called to the scene in Bethnal Green following the security alert.
The 250kg device was discovered by builders in a basement in Temple Street at the junction with Old Bethnal Green Road.
“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid this area where possible”.
While its hard to tell when and where the next unexploded bomb will be discovered, the interactive map below (launched in 2012) plots where (almost) every bomb landed during the Blitz.
Military staff from the Royal Logistics Corps were expected to “work through the night to stabilize and defuse the bomb”, said the Ministry of Defense.
The LFB said the cordon had a 100-metre radius and they were called to the scene at 2.16pm.
Police also warned of road closures in the area.
The London Fire Brigade tweeted at around 3.30pm: “We’re working with the Police and (Tower Hamlets Council) at unexploded WW2 bomb in #Bethnal Green”.
It added the surrounding area was now cordoned off to pedestrians and traffic.
“Further information will follow in due course”.
Transport for London said Tube and overground services were not affected, but four bus routes faced mini-diversions.
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Roads around the site have been shut off, affecting Hackney Road and Bethnall Green Road, with Metropolitan Police warning of “significant traffic disruption”.
