Town cleared over bomb report

Part of a town centre was evacuated today after a man brought what was believed to be a Second World War bomb to a police station.

The man had collected a few items from a house clearance, including the device, and only realised afterwards that he might have a missile among his haul.

With the suspicious object stowed in the back of his van, he drove to Wednesbury police station in the West Midlands.

A source said: "He popped up outside the police station and asked 'what's this in my van?'

Officers cordoned off a 400m area around the police station while the device was examined by military bomb disposal experts.

All local bus routes were halted and roads were closed as half the town was cleared.

A police spokesman said: "Police have cordoned off a large area around Wednesbury police station after military ordnance was reported in the back of a van close to the station.

"A 400m cordon is now in place and a number of roads are closed. Nearby businesses are being evacuated with a temporary shelter set up at the nearby Mecca Bingo hall.

"The Metro service is also suspended, the town bus station closed."

Junction 9 of the M6 motorway was also closed and diversions were put in place.

No injuries have been reported.

The spokesman added: "We would advise motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area until the incident is declared safe and roads have been reopened."