Firefighters, specialist police officers and the army have removed a World War Two bomb at a building site in Lee after after working at the scene since this morning.

Lewisham police had closed off parts of Lee High Road after being called at 9.14am today (April 22) to a building site in Boone Street following reports of the discovery the WW2 ordnance.

Chief Superintendent, Kate Halpin, borough commander of Lewisham police, said earlier today: "Following the discovery of an unexploded WW2 bomb earlier today, the police and other emergency services joined together with the local authority, under well-rehearsed plans to respond to an incident like this.

"The bomb has been undisturbed for many years, so having been disturbed by building works today, we were concerned of the potential risks this could cause.

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Photo: @LewishamCard

"For the safety of the public, a large cordon was put in place and some homes, schools and businesses evacuated."

"I'd like to thank the public for their cooperation throughout this incident."

The 200-metre cordons have been lifted, and officers are working to return the area to normal.

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

One fire engine and around five firefighters assisted police officers, including specialist officers, and the army near Marks & Spencer in Lee High Road.

As a precaution a local school and a number of properties had been evacuated whilst an assessment of the object was carried out.

A number of road closures were in place, causing significant disruption to the area.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area if at possible and although the road has opened, it is not clear how long delays will last for.

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Photo: @simonreadd

Markus E J Blanshard, who owns Pedal It bike shop in Lee High Road, told News Shopper: "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."

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Have you been evacuated? Get in touch on 07787 273806 or helen.corbett@london.newsquest.co.uk.