AN unexploded Second World War shell brought havoc to Leytonstone.

Experts carried out a controlled explosion of the 20lb anti-aircraft bomb which was was found on Wanstead Flats.

The drama began when a JCB driver for contractor Hugh Pearl, which is turning the Lakehouse Lake into a wildlife pond, unwittingly scooped up the bomb in a pile of earth last Friday. It was moved twice more before workmen realised what the mud-caked object was.

Police and fire crews arrived around 2pm and closed off all surrounding roads. Firemen with loudspeakers told residents to get indoors and stay there, but a curious few wandered the streets trying to get a peek.

The closeness of the lake to the road meant the bomb had to be moved behind a large sand mound, as policemen scoured the area to ensure no-one was nearby.

Commuters and schoolchildren, oblivious to the cause of the commotion, were shouted at through speakers to cross the road and move away from the area.

The police's bomb disposal unit carried out a controlled explosion at around 4.30pm, and the roads were re-opened.

A resident said a similar shell was found near the lake seven years ago.

Caroline John, of Ramsay Road, added: "I found it very exciting but my daughter was frightened. There was a fair a couple of weeks ago on a site and a circus before that. There is always stuff happening on the flats."

A gun battery is believed to have been based in the area during the war.

Over the past decade, the water has eeped away from the pond which was a popular recreational spot.

A campaign by local people ended when the Epping Forest authorities decided to reline and reconstruct it.

Now the Lakehouse Project group is planning for its future.

Members are keen to recruit pond wardens and to raise funds for equipment and for the study materials they are preparing for pupils at the nearby Cann Hall, Jenny Hammond and Tom Hood

July 18, 2002 12:30