COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Drivers have been warned of major disruption on routes in and out of Birmingham city centre following a bomb scare.

All entry and exit slip roads at Junction 6 of the M6 (Aston Expressway, A38M, Spaghetti Junction) are closed due to a police incident, thought to be the discovery of an unexploded wartime bomb in Aston.

The closures include all roads leading to and from Salford Circus.

Traffic southbound is stretching back to Junction 7 at Great Barr and northbound, to 4a (connection with the M42).

Initial estimates are that the situation may not return to normal until at least 1.30pm.

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."

Aston bomb alert: Residents slam council over handling of evacuation



Bewildered residents evacuated from their homes after the Second World War bomb scare have slammed the council's handling of the incident.

Around sixty people living near to the site where the unexploded device was found in Aston were taken to the Alexander Stadium on Monday evening.

They are set to spend the night at the Gymnasium and Martial Arts Centre, based inside the stadium.

But some complained that they had not been given food or clothes and are not being provided with information.

Others have medical conditions and have not been able to retrieve medication from their homes.

Cabinet member Cllr Tristan Chatfield said: “We are currently working closely with our partners to ensure that the situation is managed as effectively as possible and that appropriate support is provided to those impacted.

This includes a rest centre set up to accommodate those unable to stay in their homes.”

He added: “Obviously our number one priority is to ensue the safety of people in the area. I would like to thank everyone for their patience on what has been a very difficult day.”

Aston Expressway bomb destroyed as M6 CLOSED for 13 MILES

A giant Second World War bomb was exploded in Aston today - sending a thunderous 'boom' through north Birmingham.

The 500lb shell sent a giant plume of dark smoke around into the air near the Aston Expressway around 3.45pm this afternoon.

Bomb disposal experts covered the bomb with 250 tons of sand before carrying out a controlled explosion.

Early reports suggest the bomb could be heard as far as Sutton Coldfield.

An incredible 13 MILES of the M6 was closed in both directions to keep the route cleared during the explosion.

London Midland also say they expect trains from Lichfield to Birmingham New Street to be cancelled for the rest of the day.

Trains to Walsall and Rugeley have also been diverted from Aston station, and will not call at Witton, Perry Barr or Duddeston.