A temporary exclusion zone had to be set up in Rainham after a unexploded bomb dating back to the 19th century was found on a landfill site.

The naval shell was discovered at the Veolia Landfill site in Coldharbour Lane, Rainham on Monday July 4 at around 4pm.

The device was discovered in the restoration area of the site by a worker, who then alerted the emergency services.

The police and the army bomb disposal experts attended where the bomb was made safe.

Crews from Rainham fire station were also called out because of the risk of an explosion.

A temporary exclusion zone was created around Coldharbour Lane until 6pm.

The bomb is believed to have come from the Thames Estuary.

A spokesman for Veolia said: “At around 4pm a possible explosive device was seen on the surface of

the restoration area of the site.

“The staff had not come across an object like that before and called the police.

“The police response was very efficient and there was a collective sigh of relief when it was declared safe.”