World War II bomb discovered in London's River Thames, airport shut down, reports say

A stunning discovery in London's River Thames forced officials to evacuate the nearby London City Airport on Sunday, after reports said an unexploded World War II-era bomb was found.

The ordnance was discovered at the George V Dock in North Woolwich during scheduled work at the airport just after 5 a.m. local time, authorities said in a news release.

Officers and @RoyalNavy are dealing with a WWII Ordnance River Thames at George V Dock, E16, by @LondonCityAir - exclusion zone in place #Newham https://t.co/fhHEwMAMVe pic.twitter.com/jfJE9i6RVD

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 11, 2018

The Royal Navy “confirmed the nature of the device,” police said. Sky News and other U.K.-based news outlets reported it was an unexploded bomb.
Police blocked off an area around the site that night as a precaution.
London City Airport tweeted Sunday that the airport has shut down while the ordnance is dealt with, adding, “Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport until further notice.”

Following the discovery of a World War Two ordnance in King George V Dock as part of planned development works, a 214m exclusion zone has been implemented as a precaution by the Met Police. As a result, London City Airport is currently closed. (1/3)

— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) February 11, 2018

All passengers due to travel from London City on Monday are advised to contact their airline for further information. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport until further notice.(2/3)

— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) February 11, 2018