The 50kg German WW2 bomb discovered at a Wembley building site - after laying undisturbed for 70 years - has been removed by bomb disposal experts.

The discovery of the bomb - thought to be a Sprengbombe-Cylindrisch general purpose German bomb - caused chaos in the Wembley Park area on Thursday (May 21) and Friday (May 22).

Bomb disposal experts finally managed to move the bomb on Friday afternoon, meaning the road closures, traffic diversions and police cordon could be lifted.

It also meant some residents and workers could return to their homes and businesses after being evacuated.

One local worker, who did not want to be named, said: “I've been standing at the cordon for eight hours, since 6.30am. I should get a pay rise and even a medal for waiting this long!

“There are other people waiting at other cordons, hoping to get back to work. We found out about the bomb yesterday afternoon, it's been a real pain.

“Hitler's got a lot to answer for!”

Residents in the vicinity of the bomb were evacuated and given refuge at Chalk Hill Community Centre.

Carrie Jane Webster, from Quadrant Court, was told she wouldn't be able to return home: “I live on the edge of the cordon. I was told about the bomb last night so I packed a few things and went to my friends.

“I left for work at 8am today and I was told I wouldn't be able to return home at that point.

“Luckily I was prepared, police have done a great job, they've been really calm about the whole situation.”

Brent Civic Centre was also evacuated, remaining closed on Friday, but is due to reopen on Saturday with all council services returning to normal. Despite the closure of the building, however, staff worked off-site to ensure vital services still operated.

Leader of the Council, Muhammed Butt, said: "I would like to thank residents, the police, the Army, construction workers, and council staff for a real team effort in dealing with such an extraordinary and difficult set of circumstances.

"Fortunately this type of thing doesn't happen every day but this showed that by working together we are prepared for an incident on this scale."

Thankfully, the unexploded bomb hasn't affected football plans at Wembley Stadium this weekend, despite a Britain's Got Talent run-through having reportedly been cancelled at Fountain Studios, near Wembley Park, on Thursday night.

Speaking after the cordon was lifted, Detective Chief Superintendent Mickey Gallagher said: “I recognise the disruption this incident will have had on local communities and am very grateful for the co-operation and understanding we saw.

“Everyone pulled together through this disruption with the local authority, local businesses and community centres providing much-needed rest areas and refreshment for those affected.

“I must also thank our courageous soldiers from various Army regiments for working tirelessly for over 24-hours, using their skill and experience to safely bring this incident to its conclusion.”

Anyone needing face-to-face assistance with Brent Council should access the Brent Council website or call the emergency number on 020 8937 1511.