‘Drill bit’ discovery causes Beckton school evacuation

The bomb was unearthed while construction work was being carried out at Kingsford Community School, Beckton. Picture: Newham Council Newham Council

A suspected World War Two bomb unearthed at a school, forcing children and teachers to flee their classrooms, has been found to be nothing more than a large drill bit.

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Kingsford Community School Kingsford Community School

Police evacuated Kingsford Community School, Kingsford Way, and nearby Beckton Globe Library as a precaution while a team assessed the situation.

The school remains closed this afternoon but will open as usual on Monday morning.

A Newham Council spokeswoman confirmed the object was not a bomb and said police were now removing the cordon around the area and have told everyone to “stand down”.

One 15-year-old pupil, who preferred to remain anonymous, said she had been left “shaken” by the events.

“We were having lunch and then teachers ran in and screamed at us to get out,” she said. The Year 9s and under were really shaken up about it.”

Teachers at the Beckton school also informed parents of the discovery by text message.