Roads were closed in Chessington this morning (Monday, January 11) after the discovery of a suspected explosive dating from the Second World War.

Emergency services descended on Leatherhead Road in Chessington after the discovery, which brought significant disruption to late morning and midday traffic in the area after police cordons were put in place.

The item was found sometime around 11am, when police were called.

A spokesperson for the Met Police told the Surrey Comet that they had worked with "specialist colleagues" on removing the suspected ordinance or explosive material from the area. 

"Police were called shortly after 1100hrs on Monday, 11 January, to suspected World War II ordnance found in Leatherhead Road, Chessington.

"Officers attended the scene along with specialist colleagues - cordons were put in place," they said.

The spokesperson added that the item has since been removed and that cordons pit in place on Leatherhead Road and other streets in the area had also been lifted.

"The item has been removed.

"Cordons have been lifted and roads re-opened in the area."