Around 20,000 people have been forced to evacuate from their homes in the German city of Cologne after the discovery of three World War Two bombs.
A team of bomb disposal experts are defusing the three US bombs, as a 1,000m danger zone has been implemented.
The bombs were discovered during construction work on Monday in Deutz, a busy area right next to the River Rhine.
Unexploded bombs are commonly found in Germany, with Cologne alone being reportedly hit by 1.5million bombs.
Over 20,000 have been evacuated in Cologne
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It is estimated that 20 per cent of those dropped did not explode.
The evacuation areas include one hospital, two retirement homes, nine schools, 58 hotels and several museums.
Two shelters have been temporarily set up for those affected.
The city authority said in a statement: "Everyone involved hopes that the defusing can be completed in the course of Wednesday.
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"This is only possible if all those affected leave their homes or workplaces early and stay outside the evacuation area from the outset on that day."
Transport has been significantly disrupted across the city, with all roads closed in surrounding areas and several trains cancelled.
Residents have been advised to "stay calm" and ensure they have their identification.
Cologne Bonn Airport explained that flights will be continuing as usual, but travelling to the airport may be affected.
Cologne Bonn Airport explained that flights will be continuing as usual
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The evacuation has caused more inconvenience for others, with 15 couples having to relocate their weddings from Cologne's Town Hall to a separate location, local media reports.
Some 31 bombs were found in Cologne over the course of 2024, requiring 17 evacuations, impacting more than 36,000 people.
Cologne was the first German city to experience a "1,000 bomber raid" from the Royal Air Force during World War Two.
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