Hampstead bomb scare: 'Drama and chaos' as homes evacuated after suspected WW2 bomb found in garden

Homes were evacuated after a suspected Second World War explosive was found in a garden in north London.

Specialist bomb squad officers were called to Hampstead after a "large metal object" was discovered by a resident who was gardening at their home.

People were told to leave thier homes as the area was put on lockdown following the find in Gayton Road at about 2.15pm.

Several roads including Hampstead High Street were sealed off amid a large police presence.

However, the emergency was "stood down" just under an hour later, after police established it was not an unexploded bomb.

Police tweeted: "This has been confirmed this is not a WW2 bomb and all cordons and road closures have been lifted. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Scores of people had shared their alarm on social media, including Hollyoaks star Jared Garfield, as the scare unfolded.

The actor, who plays Nathan in the soap, tweeted an image of the police cordon with the caption: "So a WWII bomb has been discovered on Hampstead High St. Mad."

Others said they were "kicked" out of their homes or stuck in shops.

Gaz Weetman tweeted: "Bomb squad called in to Hampstead due to apparent WWII bomb find. *tiptoes home*."

The Twitter account for the local magazine Hampstead Village ‏Voice added: "I was just thinking 'how lovely and quiet Hampstead is on bank holidays' when they find an unexploded bomb in Gayton Rd. Drama and chaos!"