A suspected unexploded World War Two bomb discovered on the banks of the River Thames could threaten the university Boat Race.
The find was made near Putney Bridge, west London, a day before the 163rd Oxford v Cambridge race.
Organisers of the annual Oxford v Cambridge boat races are to decide whether Sunday’s event will go ahead after an unexploded second world war bomb was found near the starting line.
Police were called on Saturday after a member of the public spotted the device in the river Thames near Putney Bridge, yards from where the annual rowing event will get under way. Marine experts examined the submerged bomb and the races are expected to go ahead as planned.
The Metropolitan police spokesman said “Police were called by a member of the public at approximately 1.50pm on Saturday reporting what they thought to be World War Two ordnance on the Chelsea shoreline by Putney Bridge. Officers including the marine policing unit attended. The item is currently submerged.”
Thousands of people are expected to line the banks of the Thames to watch the 163rd edition of the Boat Race between the two universities.