Residents who were evacuated following the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb near London City Airport can return to their homes, police said.
People living within the 214-metre exclusion zone in the London Borough of Newham were asked to voluntarily leave their property on Monday while bomb disposal teams handled the 500kg ordnance.
The @metpoliceuk have said the initial 214-metre cordon that was put in place early on Monday morning is now lifted. Residents from Holt Road, Leonard Street, Lord Street, Newland Street, Tate Road, Muir Street and Kennard Street can now return to their homes. https://t.co/WdJL2jEHdT
— Newham London (@NewhamLondon) February 12, 2018
Metropolitan Police said the 1.5 metre-long tapered-end shell, which was found 15 metres underwater in King George V Dock in east London on Sunday, has been moved.
It has been taken to a secondary position within the dock, the force said.
Royal Navy divers will work with police through the night to move the German general-purpose bomb down the River Thames and carry out a controlled explosion on Tuesday morning.
The process will disrupt some late-night train services from St Pancras station.
The last two Southeastern trains will be delayed as police have asked for the tunnel under the Thames to be closed.
The 23:55 to Faversham and the 00:12 to Ashford International are affected, the operator said, and apologised for inconvenience caused.
INFO – The unexploded World War II bomb found near London City Airport will be transported down the river this evening. As a result, the last two trains from St Pancras will be delayed as the tunnel under the Thames will be closed at police request: https://t.co/jjmS2Zgsvd
— Southeastern (@Se_Railway) February 12, 2018
The operation caused travel disruption at London City Airport, which closed on Monday with more than 100 flights cancelled.
It is expected to reopen on Tuesday, said CEO Robert Sinclair.
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