Soho evacuated after ‘unexploded Second World War bomb’ discovered

Police cordon off major roads after device found on building site

Parts of Soho in central London were evacuated after a suspected unexploded Second World War bomb was found.

Police were called to the scene at a building site near Dean Street at 1.42pm after the ordnance was discovered.

Cordons were put in place between Oxford Street, Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, Lexington Street and Poland Street.

All roads in the area were closed and people were evacuated from the Soho Hotel, the Soho Theatre and the Groucho Club.

London Underground services were not affected by the incident.

Four hours later the cordon was reduced “to affect only Dean Street and the immediate area”.

The unexploded bomb was removed by the British Army and the cordon was lifted at around 8.40pm.

“All cordons are being lifted, including in Dean Street itself, and residents are able to return,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

“We thank residents, local businesses and everyone else affected for their patience while we worked to ensure public safety.”