An unexploded bomb uncovered by builders was detonated on Hackney Marshes this afternoon.

Police were called just before 11am to Manor Road, to reports of a “suspicious item”.

Residents in surrounding homes were evacuated and cordons were put in place in Manor Road, Stoke Newington High Street and Bethune Avenue.

Specialist officers attended and confirmed that the device was an unexploded World War Two artillery fuse.

They moved the device to nearby Hackney Marshes where a controlled explosion was carried out.

Roads were reopen by midday.

Social media site Twitter user dom N commented: “It would get destroyed where it was found unless certain it was safe to move.

“It must’ve been safe enough to move and too big to blow in Hackney Rd!! Excellent work by experts in our safety.”