A man triggered a major security alert in south east London this afternoon after he handed explosive devices - including a live hand grenade - to firefighters at his local fire station.
The man is also said to have given firefighters a live mortar shell at Sidcup fire station in Main Road just after 2.30pm today.
Some residents have been told to stay inside while others living nearer the fire station have been evacuated from their homes.
Neighbouring businesses and offices have also been evacuated.
A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said: “Sidcup fire station has been temporarily evacuated after three pieces of unexploded WWII artillery were brought to the station.
"The Brigade is liaising with the Metropolitan Police in order to ensure this situation is resolved safely.
"Despite the station being evacuated, both fire engines remain available to respond to emergencies.“
Roads in the area are reportedly being evacuated and buses are subject to diversion.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed they were aware of the incident.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/major-security-alert-triggered-in-sidcup-after-man-brings-unexploded-wwii-devices-into-fire-station-a3085941.htmlThis is actually a huge problem in this area. Not only was it very heavily bombed, leading to UXE being dug up by gardeners and builders on a regular basis, but it was an incredibly popular area for demobbed soldiers to settle in after the war. Now their souvenirs, stored in attics for decades, are coming to light as they die off or move into sheltered accommodation.
