20,000 people are evacuated from Cologne city centre after Second World War bombs are discovered

Around 20,000 people have been told to evacuate from Cologne’s city centre after three Second World War-era bombs were discovered.

Residents face the city’s biggest evacuation since the war as a 1km area is closed off.

Experts are now working to defuse the American-made bombs - two 1,000kg in weight and one 500kg.

Law enforcement officials have reportedly been going door-to-door to clear out residents and police have said they will use force where needed.

The cordoned-off area includes Cologne’s old town, the city’s famous cathedral, 58 hotels, a hospital and dozens of businesses.

Two shelters have also been set up to help affected residents.

Locals will be provided with food and support while the evacuation is in place, city officials said.

Around 1.5 million bombs were dropped on the city by allied air forces during the Second World War, a fifth of which did not fully detonate.

Many of these unexploded bombs remain buried under the city, prompting evacuations when they are discovered.

The RAF launched 262 bombing raids on Cologne during the war; the city was one of the most heavily bombed during the conflict.

The three bombs which have prompted this evacuation were reportedly first discovered on Monday, with authorities now evacuating the city while they attempt to defuse them.