An unexploded World War II mortar found on a building site caused police to evacuate an area of New Malden this afternoon.
Staff and shoppers were evacuated at the Burlington Road branch of B&Q in New Malden at around 1.15pm this afternoon and residents close by were asked to leave their homes.
Kingston Police kept residents up to date with the situation via twitter.
Officers on scene dealing with discovery of WWII mortar nr B&Q #NewMalden – road closures in place. B&Q closed! pic.twitter.com/m9lisL7ARY
— Kingston MPS (@MPSKingston) February 20, 2015
The London Fire Brigade were in attendance and Burlington Road was closed between the Fountain roundabout and Shannon Corner whilst police investigated the scene.
This is the little trouble maker causing all the problems in #NewMalden at the moment. Police & @LondonFire on scene. pic.twitter.com/LP6oe6QFiB — Kingston MPS (@MPSKingston) February 20, 2015
Just after 2.45pm Kingston police tweeted that Burlington Road had reopened after the mortar was made safe and removed.
WWII mortar now made safe / removed from scene. #Traffic returning to normal. B&Q re-opening. Thanks for patience. pic.twitter.com/bVPiFXR8BA
— Kingston MPS (@MPSKingston) February 20, 2015
This is not the first time an unexploded World War II weapon has been found in Kingston, as the borough was heavily shelled by the Germans during WWII.
Picture courtesy of PhotosNormandie, with thanks
