London on lockdown: Rush hour travel chaos after WW2 bomb found in River Thames

The suspected World War Two bomb has been dredged from the River Thames and Westminster on lockdown as police carry out safety checks.

The device was found in the river by Victoria Embankment.

Westminster Bridge has also been closed sparking rush hour chaos for commuters and motorists told to avoid the area.

Nearby underground stations, including Westminster have been evacuated and closed as roads in the area come to a standstill.

There are road closures in place in and around the area whilst the item is assessed

Metropolitan Police

Both Waterloo and Westminster Bridges have been closed northbound as police examine the unexploded bomb.

Specialist officers are carrying out safety checks as office workers say they have been unable to leave their buildings in Westminster.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "There are road closures in place in and around the area whilst the item is assessed."

TWITTER/ JINGAN YOUNG

A World War Two bomb has been found in the River Thames bringing central London to a standstill

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said it is not clear how long the safety checks will take with reports of roads within a four mile radius of Westminster Bridge being closed.

The device, said to be a 50lb unexploded bomb, was found by a Devon man working on a dredger at around 5.30pm.

The man, who asked not to be identified, told The Plymouth Herald: "We're digging out the river bed so they can move vessels and carry out building work.

"We're opposite the Eye and about 100 yards from New Scotland Yard.

TWITTER/ NATHAN GILL

Westminster Bridge has been shut while police carry out safety checks

"Part of my work is to keep an eye on the items coming out and all day long there's these bucketfuls of muck coming out.

"I suddenly looked down at the barge and shouting "what's that? That's a bomb!"

I got a ladder and went down to the barge and inspected it.

"I've done the courses and recognition training so I know what I'm meant to be looking for.

TWITTER/ JINGAN YOUNG

Police have closed off the area around Westminster Bridge

TWITTER/ JINGAN YOUNG

The unexploded bomb has caused rush hour travel chaos

"It's the right shape and weight and the back shows where the primer goes. It's about 50lbs."

Emilie-Louise Purdie, deputy head of research for the SNP Westminster Group said on Twitter: “Incredible. #Westminster a total #ghosttown at rush hour as police evacuate. Unexploded #WWII bomb in #Thames #emptyroads”.

Ukip’s MEP for Wales and Welsh Assembly member Nathan Gill has been caught up in the chaos.

Incredible. #Westminster a total #ghosttown at rush hour as police evacuate. Unexploded #WWII bomb in #Thames #emptyroads pic.twitter.com/iVOEJiMOHt

— Emilie-Louise Purdie (@jesuisELP) January 19, 2017

TWITTER

The bomb has closed Westminster and Waterloo Bridge

He said: “Westminster Bridge closed- no explanation.”

Restaurant Ship Hispaniola which is permanently moored on the Thames Embankment, opposite the London Eye, announced it will not open this evening following police advice.

London was heavily bombed during the Second World War and unexploded devices are still sometimes found.

Nicky Harley said: “Westminster on lock down as army head to diffuse unexploded WW2 bomb found by engineers at low tide in the Thames”.

@TeganEffect said: “Yet another WW2 unexploded bomb found. This time in the Thames. There's still so many of them around London.”

More to follow…

Original Article