Central London was thrown into a state of high alert on Tuesday when construction workers made a startling discovery just metres from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's flagship Barbecoa restaurant - a live unexploded bomb dating back to the Second World War.
The dramatic find occurred on Poultry, a street nestled in the heart of the City of London, triggering an immediate emergency response. Bomb disposal experts from the Royal Logistics Corps were swiftly dispatched to assess the dangerous situation.
Emergency Protocol Springs Into Action
Construction at the One Poultry site came to an abrupt halt as authorities cordoned off the area. While full-scale evacuations weren't implemented, police established a significant security perimeter to ensure public safety. Workers from adjacent buildings, including the landmark Bank of England, were advised to remain inside during the delicate disposal operation.
An official statement from the City of London Police confirmed: "We were called at approximately 11:15am to reports of an unexploded ordnance found at a building site on Poultry. Experts are on scene to safely dispose of the device."
London's WWII Legacy Resurfaces
The discovery serves as a stark reminder of London's wartime history, where countless bombs fell during the Blitz. Unexploded devices continue to be uncovered during construction projects across the capital, though finding one in such a prominent financial district remains relatively rare.
Barbecoa, Jamie Oliver's steak and grill restaurant located just steps from the discovery site, continued operations but under the shadow of the security operation unfolding nearby. The restaurant, known for its stunning views of St Paul's Cathedral, found itself at the centre of an unexpected historical drama.
The bomb squad successfully secured and removed the device, bringing a tense afternoon to a safe conclusion and allowing the bustling financial district to gradually return to normal operations.
