Families evacuated as WWII bomb found in garden

The bomb squad were at the scene in Kirby Road, Dartford

Residents have been evacuated from their homes after a suspected WWII bomb was found.

Kent Police were contacted at 09.18GMT on Thursday following the discovery in a garden on Kirby Road, Dartford.

Officers, along with a Ministry of Defence bomb disposal team, are currently at the scene and a cordon is in place.

A spokesperson for Dartford Borough Council said it was "assisting emergency services at the scene and supporting affected residents".

The explosive device is thought to have been uncovered by workmen digging up the rear of one of the Kirby Road properties.

It has been described in a statement from the council as an "unexploded wartime ordnance".

Those evacuated have been told to go to the Stone Pavilion function room on Hayes Road in Stone until it is safe for them to return home.

Precautionary road closures are also in place in the affected area.

The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment.