Kings Hill has become a 'ghost town' after a Second World War bomb was discovered on a building site.

Gibson Drive and surrounding roads have been shut after the old wartime explosive was found at around 6.20pm yesterday evening.

A large cordon has been set up and a number of businesses have been evacuated while the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team try to safely deal with the situation.

Covéa Insurance, based in Kings Hill Avenue tweeted about the evacuation saying: "Our Kings Hill office has just been evacuated due to a police incident, so please bear with us if you’re trying to call our protection, pet or HNW underwriting teams."

Kings Hill Community Centre and Infinity Gym have also been evacuated while a play area, normally packed on a Saturday, is completely empty.

Police and Kent County Council staff are at the scene to assist.

The roads are expected to remain closed throughout today.

A police spokesperson said: "Kent Police is attending Gibson Drive in Kings Hills following a report of an old wartime ordnance device found in a building site.

"Officers were called to the scene at 6.18pm on Friday, June 7 and are assisting the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and Kent County Council while they work to remove the device.

"Surrounding roads have been closed as a precaution and are expected to remain closed throughout Saturday while work is ongoing."

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