Aston Expressway to be closed until Tuesday morning after bomb discovery
Aston Expressway is expected to be closed until tomorrow morning, West Midlands Police have confirmed.
Heavy bomb disposal equipment has arrived on the scene in Aston after a Second World War bomb was discovered.
The area has been completely shut down, causing widespread chaos across the city.
The A38 Aston Expressway remains closed in both directions, almost eight hours after police weer alerted to the chilling discovery at a construction site in Priory Road, Aston.
Construction staff working at the site came across the device during routine work at around 9.45am this morning.
It was quickly identified as a German shell weighing up to 500lbs.
Birmingham Police Commander Chris Johnson, said: “An initial assessment from Army bomb disposal suggests this is a large explosive device − that’s why an extensive cordon has been put in place for public safety.
“There is the possibility we may have to extend the cordon on advice from experts…we don’t take decisions like this lightly but public safety has to be our number one priority.
“Hundreds of homes have been evacuated and we are working with our partners to provide emergency accommodation.
“There have been some difficulties in accessing the device given the terrain and its position within a construction site − but all agencies involved are working as quickly as possible to bring the situation to a safe conclusion with brave military staff risking their safety to ensure that of the public.
“I recognise the impact on people’s lives that incidents like this cause, and I would like to thank the public for their understanding and support at this time."
