Cordons surrounding an area where a Second World War bomb that was safely detonated have opened.

Carver Barracks, from Saffron Walden in Essex, said it “worked tirelessly through the night” with authorities to assist in the operation after publishing an image of the wartime ordnance online.

Kingston police said the cordons were opened shortly before 8pm tonight (May 24) after it was previously suggested the operation could last through the night.

An area of Kingston remains open to pedestrians at the moment but Penrhyn Road remains closed to both pedestrians and vehicles itself.

Chief Superintendent Sally Benatar, South West BCU Commander, said: “I would like to thank all local residents and businesses owners who have been displaced by this inconvenience. The response from the local community and Kingston Council has been so understanding and we are grateful for your cooperation. The displacement was for your safety – which was our top priority throughout. The matter of detonating this device was taken with the utmost seriousness and I’d like to thank the Army and the other emergency services for their assistance and support.

“Whilst cordons and displacement remain in place at this time, we are working as quickly as possible to ensure that residents can return to their properties. We don’t have a timescale for this yet while the site is being structurally assessed.”

Cllr Liz Green, leader of Kingston Council, said: “Our thanks go to the police, army and all other emergency services for dealing with this incident safely. Thanks also go to our fantastic local community, including businesses and the voluntary sector, who have come together and helped provide food and provisions to our residents during this time.

"We will continue to provide support to residents until such time as they're able to return home."