Shops and homes evacuated and traffic in ‘chaos’ after WW2 bomb found in Lewisham

Firefighters and specialist police officers are at the scene of what is believed to be an unexploded World War Two bomb found this morning.

Lewisham Police have closed off parts of Lee High Road after being called at 9.14am today (April 22) to a building site on Boone Street following reports of the discovery of what is believed to be an WW2 ordnance.

The London Fire Brigade was called to the scene at 9.46am.

One fire engine and around five firefighters are assisting police officers, including specialist officers, who are currently at the scene near Marks & Spencer on Lee High Road.

We're standing by to assist @metpoliceuk after unexploded WW2 bomb found in #Lewisham. More: https://t.co/skcdRdP10Y pic.twitter.com/Lx5Jo7Kt5i

— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) April 22, 2016

A cordon of 200 metres is currently in place, and it is anticipated to be for some time.

Police are in contact with the other emergency services and Lewisham Council.

A Met Police spokesman said: “As a precaution a local school and a number of properties have been evacuated whilst an assessment of the object is carried out.

“A number of road closures are currently in place, and this is causing significant disruption to the area.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area if at possible.”

Unexploded WW2 bomb found near #LeeHighRoad #lewisham pic.twitter.com/C3MdD4SKEu

— Simon Read (@simonreadd) April 22, 2016

Markus E J Blanshard, who owns Pedal It bike shop on Lee High Road, said:

“First I thought there had been a serious crime but then I found out it was a WW2 bomb.

“Police evacuated the area until further notice, traffic is chaos as cutting around the back streets.”

“They’re trying to defuse and remove it, I think it’ll be a few hours until anybody can get back into their homes or shops – we’ve all been evacuated.”