The German World War II bomb found in south London. Photo courtesy of Sgt. Rupert Frere RLC/The Army in London - HQ London District

An RLC Bomb disposal expert checks the fuse on the World War II-era SC 250kg German Bomb. Photo courtesy of Sgt. Rupert Frere RLC/The Army in London - HQ London District

The work site where the bomb is located. Photo courtesy of Sgt. Rupert Frere RLC/The Army in London - HQ London District

An RLC Bomb disposal expert checks the fuse on the World War II-era SC 250kg German Bomb. Photo courtesy of Sgt. Rupert Frere RLC/The Army in London - HQ London District

LONDON, March 24 (UPI) -- A 1,000-pound unexploded World War II bomb was found in the Bermondsey district of south London, and British Army engineers are working to disarm it.

The bomb could destroy nearby buildings and damage homes up to about 650 feet away. About 1,200 homes were ordered to evacuate by early morning for the bomb disposal team to begin work.


"Remaining in your home is placing your life at significant risk," Metropolitan Police said. Many nearby roads are closed.

People unable to leave their homes were visited by nursing staff and police.

Two elementary schools remain closed and people were relocated temporarily to the Southwark Council's Seven Islands Leisure Center. About 61 people were at the leisure center and about eight others at a nearby library.

The Borough of Southwark Council released a statement about the bomb's disposal.

"At the most recent liaison meeting, the Ministry of Defense provided a positive update confirming that the work is currently going according to plan and in line with the expected timescales. Once it has been made safe, the device should be leaving the site late this afternoon."

The council hopes to have residents home in the evening, depending on whether the bomb leaves the work site.

Finding old war bombs throughout England can be common, but finding one in such a densely populated area is rare.

In 2008, a 2,200-pound bomb was found at the Bromley-by-Bow Tube station, which was made safe and later detonated.