WWII bomb closes airport

– London City Airport was closed yesterday as military experts worked to remove a World War II bomb found in the neighbouring dock.

The unexploded ordnance was discovered in King George V Dock during planned works near the runway of London’s most central airport.

The bomb was discovered on Sunday and a 214 metre exclusion zone was imposed “to ensure that the ordnance can be safely dealt with whilst limiting any risk to the public”, police said.

Homes within the exclusion zone were evacuated overnight and the local authority was providing residents with temporary accommodation and support.

Police remained at the scene yesterday.

“The operation to remove the ordnance is ongoing in partnership with our colleagues in the Royal Navy,” London’s Metropolitan Police said.

City Airport operates shorthaul flights and is located in east London, close to the Canary Wharf business district. It is the capital’s fifth-biggest airport.

Its chief executive, Robert Sinclair, said: “All flights in and out of London City on Monday are cancelled. I urge any passengers due to fly today not to come to the airport and to contact their airline for further information.” – AFP