Image reveals attempts to defuse unexploded WWII bomb

West Midlands Police has revealed the latest image of the 500lb bomb which has brought Birmingham to a standstill.

The image reveals attempts already under way to defuse the explosive.

The picture shows the bomb surrounded by tonnes and tonnes of sand and what is thought to be a device attached to try to weaken it from the inside, which army experts told the Mail was being considered as an approach.

Bomb disposal experts have been working for hours to make the unexploded WW2 shell safe.

The bomb, which weighs 250kg - or just over 550lbs, was discovered at around 9.45am yesterday morning (May 15) − and it was quickly identified as a German shell.

Chief Superintendent Chris Johnson from West Midlands Police said:

Businesses and houses lying within the exclusion zone have been evacuated as a precaution and rail services continue to be affected.

Aston Expressway is expected to remain closed for most of today (16 May) while bomb disposal experts make safe an unexploded WW2 shell.