All lines reopened after 'wartime object' discovered near Birmingham New Street
Trains between Birmingham New Street and Tamworth have reopened following the discovery of a 'wartime object' near the rail line.
Train services heading out of Birmingham New Street were brought to a halt following the discovery of a 'wartime bomb' near the rail line.
The 'object' was discovered near the rail line, leading to heavy disruption for CrossCountry Train services.
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A West Midlands Police cordon was established around the scene of Duddeston Mill Trading Estate in Washwood Heath earlier today, with the force setting up a 100-meter exclusion zone.
Bomb disposal units were also sent to the scene.
Now, CrossCountry Trains have announced that the incident has since cleared following the discovery, with all trains now returning to normal.
A rail spokesperson said: "Following a wartime object being found near the railway at Birmingham New Street, the lines have now reopened.
"Train services running through this station are now returning to normal."
West Midlands Police said that the device was discovered shortly before 9.45am, describing the object as an 'old mortar device'.
A force spokesperson said: "We were called to Duddeston Mill Trading Estate, on Duddeston Mill Road, Washwood Heath, shortly before 9.45am today (Tuesday) following the discovery of an old mortar device.
"The incident is self-contained within the site, and people have been evacuated.
"An EOD bomb disposal team are attending.
"A 100 metres exclusion zone is in operation, which does impact the railway line at Duddeston, so rail services will be impacted while this is brought to a safe conclusion."
A spokesperson for National Rail has confirmed that all lines have now reopened; however, residual disruption is expected until 3pm today.
A National Rail spokesperson said: "All lines have now reopened following an earlier wartime bomb near the railway at Birmingham New Street.
"Trains running to/from and through this station may continue to be cancelled, delayed by up to 50 minutes, revised or diverted."
National Rail added: "Disruption is now expected until 3pm."
