Police shut Hackney road because of “suspicious item”

Builders have uncovered what might be an unexploded bomb shell in Stoke Newington.

Police were called an hour ago to Manor Road, to reports of a “suspicious item uncovered by builders”.

Residents in surrounding homes have been evacuated and the road has been closed.

A police spokesman said: “Officers are currently on the scene and assessing the nature of the item.

“It’s not clear what it is but they do tend to be from the Second World War, it’s not usually a major issue, it is relatively common in East London.”