A bomb squad has been scrambled to a city centre following reports of an unexploded ordnance device being pulled out of a river by magnet fishers.

Police officers and army personnel rushed to the scene in Worcester after the unexploded bomb was fished out of the River Severn this morning (Tue).

A 100 metre cordon was put in place which included Worcester Bridge while an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team attended the riverside.

People have been asked to avoid the area after police blocked New Road and the A44 outside historic Worcester Cathedral.

Witnesses said magnet fishers had pulled what is believed to be a World War Two bomb from the river, but police are yet to confirm this.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "New Road in Worcester is currently closed following the discovery of an unexploded ordnance in the River Severn. "

"A 100m cordon is in place as a precaution, which includes Worcester bridge."

"Experts from Explosive Ordnance Disposal are on their way to assess the device."

"The road is expected to be closed for some time so please avoid the area. We’ll update further when we can."