Commuter trains and ferries halted after unexploded WW2 bomb found in Portsmouth Harbour

A huge unexploded bomb from WW2 has led to ferries and trains being stopped in Portsmouth Harbour this morning.

Residents were advised to stay in their homes following the discovery of the 500lb device, which was discovered during dredging work for the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers.

All ferries were stopped and trains between Portsmouth and Southsea station and Portsmouth Harbour were suspended.

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There were also major road closures in the area, affecting access to Gunwharf Quays as the German bomb was towed to safe location to be detonated.

Restrictions have now been lifted.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: “The unexploded ordnance found in Portsmouth Harbour this morning is now being moved to a safe place by the Royal Navy Ordnance Disposal and our police operation has been stood down.

“Public transport links will be returning to normal. Portsmouth Harbour and Gunwharf Quays are now open to the public.”

A Navy spokesman added: “The German SC250 bomb was found in the early hours of this morning in the excavator head of a barge dredging the harbour – part of a raft of infrastructure upgrades taking place in readiness for the arrival of the Royal Navy’s new 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier.

“Divers from the Royal Navy’s Portsmouth-based Southern Diving Unit 2 are on the scene.”

Lieutenant Mike St Pierre, the officer leading the bomb disposal team, said: “As always, the Royal Navy stands ready to respond to these call-outs and keep people safe.

“Despite being old, these devices can pose a very serious threat.”

The SC250 bomb weighs 500lb and contains 290lb of high explosives.

Top pic: PA