Experts are set to execute a controlled explosion after the discovery of a Second World War ordnance on a construction site in south Essex.

The discovery was made at the site, off Station Road, East Tilbury, at around 11.30am on Tuesday.

Since that time, officers have put a 500-metre cordon at the scene and worked with partners from multiple agencies to make the area safe.

This allowed experts from the Ministry of Defence to painstakingly assess the ordnance.

Essex Police say this around-the-clock assessment was made more complex by the underground location of this device.

Officers add that it has now been established there is no wider risk to the public and experts plan to execute a controlled explosion between 12pm and 2pm today.

As a result, there are major disruptions on the c2c line between Grays and Pitsea, with rail replacement buses running instead due to the temporary closure of the service.

A 500-meter cordon remains in place around the site, which will also bring temporary road closures in place in the nearby Station Road, Church Road, Coopers Shaw Road, and Fort Road.

Residents are asked to observe this cordon and avoid the area.

Chief Insp Anthony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, said: "This discovery was made on a fairly remote construction site and as such the impact on the wider community has, so far, been minimal.

"All the proper procedures were immediately followed to ensure there was a wide enough cordon in place to protect the public.

"Experts were swiftly on the scene and have been working hard to ascertain the safest and most efficient means of disposing of this ordnance.

"This will mean there is a controlled explosion and this will have a temporary impact on the nearby rail and road network.

"These measures are a crucial precaution to ensure the safety of the public.

"Those in the vicinity may hear a short-lived bang, rest assured this is anticipated and planned.

"This is a rare occurrence, but I would thank the public for their patience while this work is carried out."