London City Airport closed after WWII bomb found in King George V dock

A World War II device found in the Thames at the King George V Dock has led to shut down of London City Airport by navy officers.

The specialist officers currently dealing with the incident have advised people to stay away.

Also passengers have been advised to avoid the airport and contact their flight operator.

All British Airways flights due to leave the airport this morning have been cancelled.

All passengers due to travel from London City today have been advised to contact their airline for further information and not to travel to the airport until further notice.

The police confirmed in a statement: "The operation to remove the ordnance is ongoing in partnership with our colleagues in the Royal Navy.

"At 10pm an operational decision was made with the Royal Navy to implement a 214-metre exclusion zone to ensure that the ordnance can be safely dealt with while limiting any risk to the public."

The Met further said that the ordnance device was found in the Thames near the airport at George V dock.

Meanwhile, Transport for London said Docklands Light Railway services will not run between Pontoon Dock and Woolwich Arsenal due to the 214-metre (700ft) exclusion zone.

The device was found as survey work was being carried out as part of the airport's £480 million expansion programme. According to a spokesman, the device remains under water and would likely be removed tonight, so that the airport can be opened tomorrow.

According to Newham Council, the bomb has been confirmed as a "German 500kg fused device". It added that the operation to move it is expected to continue until this morning.

Robert Sinclair, CEO of London City Airport said:  ''The airport remains closed this morning following the discovery of a World War II ordnance in King George V Dock on Sunday.

"All flights in and out of London City on Monday are cancelled and an exclusion zone is in place in the immediate area.