Bethnal Green bomb: Second World War device “safely removed” by army, evacuated residents will “soon” be allowed to return
Update: Military personnel have safely removed an unexploded Second World War bomb from the area this afternoon.
The 500lb device was found by contractors working on a building site on Temple Street on Monday afternoon, prompting emergency services to put a 150 metre safety cordon in place. Around 150 people were evacuated and will be allowed to return to their homes and businesses "soon".
As well as the army, firefighters, Metropolitan Police and members of Tower Hamlets council attended the situation.
Station manager Matt Burrows who was at the scene said: "Our urban search and rescue crews provided equipment and assistance to army bomb disposal crews who worked carefully to remove the bomb from the basement.
https://twitter.com/ArmyInLondon/status/631099365227130880
“A great deal of work was being carried out by firefighters, army, police and local authorities to safely remove and defuse this bomb. We'd to thank local residents for their patience."
Military personnel from 621 Squadron, 11 EOD Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps, worked through the night to stabilise and defuse the bomb. It was removed after 2pm on Tuesday afternoon.
https://twitter.com/ForcesNews/status/631089200394305536
The bomb is believed to have been dropped over London during German bombing raids in the early 1940s but did not detonate.
A number of WW2 devices have been found in recent months, including ones in Westfield London, Wembley and Bermondsey. In all cases the bombs have been safely removed.