Bomb Disposal Squads Called After Ordnance Discovered At Airport

Bomb disposal squads have been called to an airport following a suspicious discovery during construction works at the site.

Police say an employee found what is believed to be a piece of "historic ordnance" at Solent Airport in Hampshire, on Thursday afternoon.

The airport was formerly HMS Daedalus airfield operated by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.

Roads surrounding the airport were cordoned off as Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams were called to the scene.

Hampshire Constabulary said it appeared the object had been there a "significant amount of time", but said it was not a pipe bomb as had been reported locally.

Specialist teams remained on site through the night and into Friday morning.

A spokesman for the force said:

"No evacuation of the site has currently been necessary."

Stubbington Lane has been closed at the junctions with Moody Road, Eric Road, Sea Lane and Crofton Avenue and diversions are in place.

Fareham Borough Council said there were no plans to carry out a controlled explosion, adding:

 "The airport remains closed until further notice, but this does not affect Search and Rescue teams who continue to operate as normal."