Portsmouth city centre evacuated after huge unexploded Second World War bomb found in harbour
Police order everybody off the streets ahead of plans to tow the unexploded German bomb out to sea for controlled explosion
PORTSMOUTH city centre was evacuated last night after the discovery of a huge unexploded Second World War bomb.
The 500kg device was found on the seabed earlier this afternoon while the harbour was being dredged in preparation for the arrival of a 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier, the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Royal Navy bomb disposal experts began towing the bomb away from the waterfront at midnight.
A controlled explosion will then be carried out in open waters around a mile and a half off the coast of the Isle of Wight.
Shops and nightclubs were ordered to keep their doors shut as officers from Hampshire Constabulary emptied the streets of Portsmouth by 11pm.
Local pubs and bars have also been given curfews ahead of the detonation, which will take place in the early hours of Friday.
Friends George David, 27, and Emily Jane, 20, were eating in the waterfront Grosvenor Casino when they were asked to leave without warning or explanation.
George told a Portsmouth paper: "We were having a meal and there was an announcement saying everyone had to leave by 11pm.
"Ten minutes later on they said we’re closing at 20 past nine, we want everyone out as soon as possible."
Ferry services in the area are also awaiting further information as to whether travel will be disrupted.
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A police spokesman said last night: "We're supporting our Ministry of Defence police colleagues this evening after a suspicious device was found in Portsmouth Harbour earlier.
"Some local evacuations may be necessary to allow for the controlled disposal of the device.
"Ministry of Defence police will advise anyone who needs to take action."
The discovery comes just weeks after an unexploded wartime torpedo was found in the harbour - also prompting its closure and interrupting ferry travel.
The harbour, which is the historic home of the Royal Navy, was frequently targeted by Luftwaffe bombers during the Second World War.