Schools closed and homes evacuated over WWII device in Plymouth

Some schools are shut and hundreds of people have left their homes for safety, after an unexploded World War Two device was found in Plymouth.

A 400 metre cordon, or a safe distance, has been put in place around the discovery while officials assess the situation and over 1,200 homes have been evacuated.

Plymouth City Council say the cordon is a precautionary measure and there is no immediate risk to the wider public.

Royal Navy unexploded ordnance specialists are using specialist X-ray equipment to assess the device and the police say they want to resolve the situation "as soon as possible".

Overall 1,250 homes, two primary schools and a pre-school are affected.

People have been asked to stay with friends and family until they are able to get back to their homes.

The council said it could be two nights or more before people are able to return.

The Royal Navy's unexploded ordnance specialists have been working through the night to work on making the device safe.

The council says it's supporting this work by supplying "large quantities" of sand which will help to keep the device stable while specialists continue their work.

An evacuation centre has been set up for people who are unable to find somewhere else to stay.

One mum told BBC News her 11-year-old has been "quite excited" by the incident.

She said: "He is having his own little World War Two story. It's quite the adventure for him."

Pets are also welcome at the evacuation centre.

So far they've welcomed dogs, cats, a rabbit, guinea pig and a parrot called Frodo.