An unexploded World War II bomb that was found by builders working in Wembley has been safely blown up.
The area was brought to a standstill for more than 24 hours following the discovery of the 50kg device in Empire Way, last Thursday.
Hundreds of residents, traders and workers were evacuated and police set up a 400metre cordon around the scene until the device was made safe and removed on Friday last afternoon.
Residents were forced to spend the night elsewhere with around 70 evacuees spending the night at Chalkhill Community Centre in Chalkhill Road, which became an emergency refuge.
Brent Civic Centre in nearby Engineer’s Way, was forced to close until the cordon was removed.
Specialists from the British Army, who said the bomb posed ‘a risk to lives’ detonated the device in Bedfordshire over the weekend.
A photograph of the bomb being blown up was posted on social networking site Twitter.
Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “Our residents showed that this borough is one where we all look out for each other. I was amazed by the great spirits of those who had to stay overnight in rest centres or went to stay with friends and relatives. I was so proud of Brent and the way in which everyone came together.
“I would like to thank residents, the Police, the Army, construction workers and council staff for a real team effort in dealing with such an extraordinary and difficult set of circumstances.
“Fortunately this type of thing doesn’t happen every day but this showed that by working together we are prepared for an incident on this scale.”
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