A BOMB squad has confirmed that an unexploded device found in Bewdley dates back to the second world war. 

Experts were called by police to Bewdley Bridge this afternoon after the device was discovered in the river.

Businesses were evacuated, the bridge was closed and residents were urged to avoid the area.

A 100m cordon was put up by police by police on Load Street.

The device has now been recovered and police have confirmed the device is a piece of World War II ordnance. 

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “We can confirm that EOD specialists have confirmed a World War II piece of ordnance has been recovered from the river.

“The device will now be made safe and all routes through Bewdley including the bridge have reopened.”