An "unexploded WW2 bomb" was reported to be found near Richmond Bridge today (March 22).
Police originally thought it was an unexploded shell, but later found it was a "piece of fencing".
A spokeswoman for the Met Police said the situation was "made safe" at 2pm.
She said: "Police in Richmond have dealt with a suspected item of WW2 ordnance.
"Officers were called at 1.14pm on Thursday, March 22, to the embankment near Richmond Bridge.
"An item, that was believed to be a WW2 shell, had been found.
"London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade have attended as a precaution.
"Local road closures were in place while emergency services dealt.
"The item was assessed and found not to be an explosive object."
This has now been resolved and road closures reopened.
— Richmond Police (@MPSRichmond) March 22, 2018
Fortunately it transpired to be a piece of fencing which wasn't clear until being investigated.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!#bettersafethansorry #whoyougonnacall https://t.co/mhdYC5TW7w
Reports of a WW2 unexploded shell near Richmond Bridge. The immediate surrounding area including the bridge and roads are now being closed. Avoid the area please. Further updates to follow.🚔💣 pic.twitter.com/9AV9IFx8mh
— Hampton Police (@MPSHampton) March 22, 2018
#Richmond Bridge is currently closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic whilst we deal with an incident with assistance from @MetTaskforce and @LondonPortAuth There are also closures along both riverbank footpaths pic.twitter.com/tgYS5qEA8m
— Richmond Police (@MPSRichmond) March 22, 2018
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