The Army, police and Fire Brigade continue to deal with the device as hundreds of residents are evacuated and schools remain closed.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The cordon zone (Photo: Brent Council)The cordon zone (Photo: Brent Council) (Image: Archant)

Emergency services were called to The Avenue shortly after 11.30am yesterday morning after the device was discovered at a building site.

Nearby residences, businesses, schools and buildings have since been evacuated as a precaution.

Specialist officers from the Army are currently on the scene and assessing the device.

A Brent Council spokeswoman said: “Evacuations from the enlarged 300 metre cordon around the unexploded WWII have started and are ongoing. Residents affected are being looked after at the council rest centre at St Martin’s Church on Mortimer Road. It is still too early to confirm when the army’s operation will finish but they are working extremely hard and we will provide the latest updates when we get them.”

A reception area in Mortimer Road has been opened by the London Borough of Brent to assist those residents affected. They will be laying on local transport from the area.

If you want to check on an affected resident who lives in the area call the local authority helpline which is 020 8937 5788.