Parts of London closed following discovery of huge unexploded WW11 bomb

Schools and businesses in the Brondesbury Park, Brent area of London remain closed today, following the discovery of a huge Second World War bomb.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes in The Avenue last night after the 500lb explosive device was uncovered by construction workers on the site of a new block of apartments. Army bomb disposal experts are on the scene this morning, building a blast protection layer around the German WW2 so that it can be made safe. The work is expected to continue into this afternoon.

Motorists advised road closures in place near The Avenue, NW6 #WillesdenLane as we assist with suspected WW2 bomb https://t.co/msZPrDDfrh pic.twitter.com/Aqzh7J3FCP

— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) March 2, 2017

Residents who were forced to evacuate their homes after the discovery took shelter in a local church in Kensal Green, with a 200m cordon now set up around the site. London Fire Brigade Station Manager Jerome Kumedzina, who was at the scene said: "Police have put safety cordons in place and there are local road closures so motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible. A school, nursery and nearby homes have been evacuated as a precaution and the local authority has set up a reception centre to assist those people affected."