Wartime bomb to be dragged 'nine hours underwater' before controlled explosion

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A Second World War bomb that has closed London City airport will be dragged for nine hours underwater before it is detonated in a controlled explosion.

The bomb, a 500kg tapered end shell measuring 1.5m, was found during work on George V Dock in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Metropolitan Police said the device has been removed from its original position and taken to a secondary location within the dock.

Local residents evacuated during the initial operation on Monday can now return to their homes.

Royal Navy bomb disposal divers

The World War Two bomb will not be brought to the surface, but will instead be towed behind a RIB to Shoeburyness, Essex, before a controlled explosion.

Metropolitan Police said it is estimated the bomb will be removed from its current location on Tuesday morning.

Lieutenant Commander Sean Heaton, who is one of the Royal Navy officers leading the disposal operation, said the main challenge for divers is the silt, mud and darkness on the seabed.

Robert Sinclair, CEO of London City Airport, confirmed it would remain closed for the rest of Monday but it is expected to reopen as normal on Tuesday.