Unexploded WWII bomb in Wembley: Army still working to defuse bomb discovered at building site
Army officers are still working to make safe an unexploded World War II bomb in Wembley, with residents and local businesses still evacuated a day after it was discovered.
In total 300 addresses have been evacuated by Brent police officers “as a precaution” while the air drop Sprengbombe-Cylindrisch 50 kg German bomb is dealt with. It was discovered by builders working at on Empire Way, Wembley yesterday afternoon.
More than 2,000 council staff based at Brent Civic Centre, which is also within the 400-metre exclusion zone, were today ordered to work from home.
Army disposal experts have been working through the night to stabilise and defuse the bomb, but work is still ongoing this morning.
Royal Engineers are building safety structures around the device to limit a potential explosion and allow the safety cordon – which currently stretches more than a thousand metres from the site – to be reduced in size.
It is believed the bomb was dropped over London during Nazi German bombing raids in the early 1940s. It has lain undisturbed deep in the ground for 70 years.
Chief superintendent for Brent Mick Gallagher said; “We are working with the disposal experts and partner agencies to keep disruption to local residents and businesses to an absolute minimum, whilst ensuring the safety of everyone in the surrounding area.
"Our officers have been keeping those affected informed of any developments and continue to work with Brent Council to identify any vulnerable residents who need any additional assistance.
"As soon as the device has been made safe by our colleagues in the Army we will inform everyone that they can return safely to their homes. We appreciate the patience of those affected and ask them to bear with us while the remainder of this operation is completed."
Will the Championship play-off finals be affected?
Wembley Stadium has said the weekend's games will be unaffected by the bomb.
https://twitter.com/wembleystadium/status/601656301136039937
Will Britain's Got Talent be affected?
Fountain Studios where BGT is filmed, is among the premises to have been evacuated, forcing performers to halt rehearsals. It's not yet clear whether the building has been given the all-clear.
This is the second unexploded WWII bomb to be discovered in London in recent months. Builders working in Bermondsey, south London, found a 1000lb-device back in March, prompting police to cordon off the area as far as Tower Bridge.