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Unexploded bomb shuts Aston Expressway Unexploded bomb shuts Aston Expressway
(about 1 hour later)
An unexploded World War Two bomb has shut one of Birmingham's major roads and forced the evacuation of homes and businesses. A large unexploded World War Two bomb has shut one of Birmingham's major roads and forced the evacuation of "hundreds of homes" and businesses.
The closure of the A38 (M) Aston Expressway is causing long delays for drivers, Highways England warned. The closure of the A38 (M) Aston Expressway is causing long delays for drivers. It is likely to now remain closed until Tuesday, police said.
Rail services on the Cross City Line between Lichfield and Birmingham have all been cancelled.Rail services on the Cross City Line between Lichfield and Birmingham have all been cancelled.
The device was found at a construction site in Priory Road, Aston. A 500m cordon has been set up. The device was found at a construction site in Priory Road, Aston.
A bomb disposal team is at the scene, police said. A 500m cordon was set up after its discovery at about 09:45 BST. Police said that may have to be widened as investigations continue.
The device has been identified as a German shell weighing up to 500lbs (227kg), a spokesman added.
A bomb disposal team is at the scene.
More updates on this storyMore updates on this story
The Aston Expressway links the city centre with the M6 and other major routes in north Birmingham.The Aston Expressway links the city centre with the M6 and other major routes in north Birmingham.
All exit and entry slip roads of the M6 at junction six are closed.All exit and entry slip roads of the M6 at junction six are closed.
A West Midlands Police statement added: "It is understood that some train services will be affected as the train lines run parallel to the A38." Birmingham police commander Chris Johnson said: "An initial assessment from Army bomb disposal suggests this is a large explosive device − that's why an extensive cordon has been put in place for public safety.
"There is the possibility we may have to extend the cordon on advice from experts… we don't take decisions like this lightly but public safety has to be our number one priority.
"Hundreds of homes have been evacuated and we are working with our partners to provide emergency accommodation."
People are being offered sanctuary at the Aston-Newton Community Seventh Day Adventist Church in Lichfield Road.
Thanking the public for being patient, he said there had been some difficulties in accessing the device because of the terrain and the bomb's position at the construction site.
London Midland said its services between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley would be cancelled for the rest of Monday.London Midland said its services between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley would be cancelled for the rest of Monday.
It has advised passengers to use alternative transport as its rail tickets are being accepted on local National Express West Midlands bus routes.It has advised passengers to use alternative transport as its rail tickets are being accepted on local National Express West Midlands bus routes.
National Rail said earlier the disruption was set to last all day.National Rail said earlier the disruption was set to last all day.