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A major security alert was sparked after builders found an unexploded WWII bomb on a construction site in east London.

Bomb disposal experts from the British Army were sent to the site in Temple Street, Bethnal Green after the mortar shell was discovered in a basement just before 1pm today.

It is believed the site is being renovated into ten apartments and that the shell was found during a precautionary bomb survey.

Residents and local businesses were evacuated as a precaution while police investigated, a spokesman for Scotland Yard said.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area while surrounding roads were closed.

In a statement, a spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "Police were called to the scene an unexploded World War 2 device that was discovered by contractors working at Temple Street, Bethnal Green at around 12.45pm today.

"Road closures are in place and local residents and/or businesses will be subject to evacuation as a safety precaution. Specialist officers are on scene.

"Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid this area where possible. Significant traffic disruption is expected."

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Residents described their shock at being evacuated from their homes by police.

Lady Celeste Luminary, a local performer, told the Standard she was escorted several blocks away by officers.

She said: "At around 12:30pm I was reclining on the couch and I noticed police taping off the street outside. Next thing - bashing on the door.

"He explained there was an unexploded WW2 bomb behind our house found under some building renovations.

Unexploded WWII bomb in Bethnal Green blocking my way back to work pic.twitter.com/fmzYjSfLfx — Carmen Fishwick (@carmenfishwick) August 10, 2015

"I grabbed my keys and we had to walk several blocks away heading east. I'm still in my pyjamas - heaven forbid. I've got my nails done though as I had a show last night. I'm slightly peckish and sitting outside with no purse."

A spokesman for Tower Hamlets council said residents and visitors were advised to avoid the area while police and fire crews investigated at the scene. He said residents who had been evacuated from their homes had were temporarily being relocated to a local school.

He said: “We have been made aware that an unexploded World War Two bomb has been uncovered at a building site in Bethnal Green – at the junction of Temple Street and Old Bethnal Green Road.

Cordon has been moved. Flat is now in the #BethnalGreen #WWIIBomb blast zone pic.twitter.com/9VUcQMiSJz — Rachel Walker (@The_FoodIEat) August 10, 2015

“The surrounding area is currently cordoned off to pedestrians and traffic. We are taking the advice of the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade and will follow the council’s Emergency Planning procedure to ensure residents and visitors to the borough are kept safe.

“Residents and visitors are advised to avoid this area. We have set up a rest centre in a local school with a full Rest Centre Team enroute to the school.

We're working with the Police & @TowerHamletsNow at unexploded WW2 bomb in #BethnalGreen. 100m hazard zone in place. pic.twitter.com/wrmdOBrMND — London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) August 10, 2015

“Further information will follow in due course.”

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence confirmed bomb disposal experts from an army base in Colchester had been sent to the scene.

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