Kingston police closed roads near Bailey Crescent, where the ordnance was discovered at 1.58pm, while officers investigated.

Roads were reopened at about 4.15pm, with Chessington Police telling residents it was “safe” to return to their homes.

We are currently dealing with suspected unexploded ordnance in Bailey Crescent, Chessington. Road closures in place, more to follow… pic.twitter.com/agwQCz1mQd

— Kingston Police (@MPSKingston) November 17, 2016

A Kingston Police spokesman said: “It looks like it’s been dug up from building works. We have cordons in place along Bailey Crescent.

“There’s no evacuation but some houses have voluntarily left.”

The Kings Centre in Coppard Gardens offered shelter to those who needed it.

All roads are reopened in the area and it is safe to go back to your properties pic.twitter.com/n233KFt53e

— Chessington Police (@MPSChessington) November 17, 2016

Sasha Stevenson, who lives in Bailey Crescent, said: “The police asked us to evacuate the house as they had found a suspected military device.

“So my husband and I our daughter and our dog had to leave the house. Luckily it was time to do the school run so we were not out for long.

“The specialist was in and out in minutes.”

Did you see what happened? Call the newsdesk on 0208 622 6313 or email rachel.dickerson@london.newsquest.co.uk

– Surrey Comet