Second World War Luftwaffe bomb detonated in Tilbury

The discovery was made at the site, off Station Road in Tilbury, at around 11.30am on Tuesday.

Numerous options were considered before a large 500-metre cordon was put in place around the site this morning while numerous specialists prepared to safely detonate the wartime bomb.

The device was found to be a 250kg bomb dropped by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War.

Discovery - the bomb found underground (Image: Essex Police)

It had remained hidden underground and was only uncovered by ongoing construction work in the area. 

Chief Superintendent Scott Egerton said: “Specialists considered a number of options to make this device safe.

“It was decided detonation of the device at the scene was preferable to making an attempt to move it.

“This decision was taken with the full and continuing consideration of the safety of the public as the number one priority.

“This operation required partnership working across a number of agencies, including Essex Police, the MOD bomb disposal experts, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, East of England Ambulance Service, rail and power network companies and local councils.

“This coordinated response ensured the efficient and safe disposal of this device with the minimum disruption possible."Controlled explosion - close-up image of the 250kg bomb (Image: Essex Police)

The cordon put in place this morning has now been stood down.

As a crucial precaution, a temporary closure of the railway line between Grays and Pitsea was implemented from 12pm until 3pm this afternoon.

This has now been lifted, but passengers can expect to experience some continuing disruption into the early evening.

An Essex Police spokesman added: "Please continue to check before you travel by visiting the National Rail Enquiries website for the latest on any disruption.

"We would thank the public for their patience while this important work was carried out."