Bomb disposal experts were called to a New Barnet school after a 65-year-old device was discovered during building work.

Specialist police teams went to JCoSS school in Westbrook Crescent on Wednesday to deal with an unexploded Second World War bomb.

The anti-aircraft shell was unearthed on the site during renovation work, and the whole area was evacuated for two hours from about 4pm.

A controlled explosion was carried out and police officers stood down the security at about 5.50pm.

The cordons around the site, which is due to open to pupils in 2010, were lifted by 6pm and the area was re-opened to traffic and pedestrians.

 Barnet borough commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Kavanagh, said the incident was resolved with “minimum distress” and without any injuries or damage to building.

He added: “This was an excellent and prompt response to a situation that caused alarm among residents and partners.

“The site was made safe at the earliest opportunity and any danger was quickly averted.”