Tri-Service

"Unexploded WWII Shell" Causes Westfield Evacuation

Shoppers and staff had to be evacuated from Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush today due to reports of an unexploded Second World War shell at a building site nearby.

WW2 bomb found near Westfield Shopping Centre W12. Avoid area, Road and Rail traffic will be suspended for some time. Examination is ongoing
— HammFul MPS (@MPSHammFul) July 8, 2015

The shopping centre has now reopened, with police saying the situation has been resolved.

Wood Lane was cordoned off as police investigated the device, whilst White City and Wood Lane stations were closed.

They advised motorists to avoid the area with roads likely to be closed "for some time", whilst office workers were evacuated from nearby buildings.

BBC workers, meanwhile, were told to remain inside their building in Wood Lane whilst the device was investigated.

The Evening Standard quoted a Scotland Yard spokeswoman, saying officers were investigating reports of an "unexploded shell". She said:

"Police are dealing with an unexploded shell in White City.

Westfield Shepherds Bush evacuated due to unexploded bomb. No workmen to be seen on usually busy site #westfieldbomb pic.twitter.com/rozSvXMz84
— Ben Ayers (@benayers) July 8, 2015

"At 10.40am police were informed of the discovery of the large unexploded shell at a building site at Ariel Way, White City, W12.

"The Westfield Shopping Centre and a non-residential building at the location have been evacuated as a safety precaution."

"There is also serious disruption to roads in the area and local train stations are also affected."

Paramedics were also called to the scene, before police confirmed the situation had been resolved.

Situation has been resolved, all evacuations and closures are removed. Congestion expected while area returns to normal
— HammFul MPS (@MPSHammFul) July 8, 2015