Sidcup fire station was evacuated, after a man walked in with three explosive devices dating back to World War II.
The man was said to be carrying a hand grenade, with the pin in, a live mortar shell and a third device - when he entered the building in Main Road just after 2.30pm this afternoon (October 8).
It is unknown why the man was carrying the explosives.
Met Police cordons were removed at 3.55pm.
The surrounding area, including residential properties and businesses on Sidcup High Street, were also evacuated.
21-year-old Dennis Smith, a building surveyor who works at NJ Lewis and Associates Ltd - next door to the fire station - was one of those evacuated.
He told News Shopper: "A policewoman asked us to evacuate immediately due to live ammunition from World War Two being present in the fire station next door.
"As we locked up and left, I asked a fireman outside who said there were a couple live mortar rounds in their station and it would be two to three hours before the road would open again.
"Having been told a few hours wait, we've all just gone home.
"It was not terribly dramatic, lots of curious pedestrians standing by the police tape and asking questions.
"No bomb disposal team, but some kind of specialists associated with fire department."
Picture: Google Maps
Main Road resident Alex Rouse, 18, claimed he was told to remain inside his maisonette.
He said: "I went outside to gather some fresh air and saw the road cordoned off. I was startled.
Apparently there's mortar bombs sidcup fire station. Been told to stay inside by police which is fantastic considering it's right next door
— Alex (@Alex__Rouse) October 8, 2015"Stay away from windows" it's a maisonette so I've basically got to stand in my hallway?
— Alex (@Alex__Rouse) October 8, 2015
"I asked a police officer 'what's going on' and he replied 'a mortor bomb had been handed in to the fire station.' I gasped.
"I was told to stay inside which seemed odd as there was a massive WW2 bomb next to my house. I complied.
"There was no hysteria, no bomb disposal teams. Just a big old police jeep and nosey civilians."
Hand grenade found in sidcup... Are u sure
— chlo (@ChloeeSmithss) October 8, 2015
Half of Sidcup high street has shut down due to live WWII mortars in the Fire Station. Our office and residents/businesses evacuated.
— Dennis (@legstied2gether) October 8, 2015
Bomb scare just up the road from my work in Sidcup lovely 🙈😩
— Danny Laws (@DannyLaws95) October 8, 2015
Sidcup being on terror alert has to be the best thing I've heard in years.
— Charlie Cox (@charlcox6) October 8, 2015
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A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Sidcup fire station was temporarily evacuated after three pieces of unexploded WWII artillery were brought to the station.
"The Brigade liaised with the Metropolitan Police in order to ensure the situation was resolved safely.
"Despite the station being evacuated, both fire engines remained available to respond to emergencies.
"The devices were made safe and removed by police."
Can you see what's happening? Call the news room on 01689 885702 or send pictures and info to josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk
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