Unexploded Shell Sparks Chelsea College Lockdown
The Met Police confirmed they found an unexploded shell at Chelsea College of Arts in Westminster yesterday afternoon, triggering a tense evacuation.
Streets Shut, Students Evacuated
The dangerous find on John Islip Street at around 3.45pm on December 1 forced authorities to shut the road both ways. The entire Chelsea College campus was quickly cleared as bomb disposal squads raced to the scene. The evacuation was even caught on TikTok, capturing the anxious mood outside.
Bomb Squad Removes Shell – Declared Safe
The Met’s bomb disposal unit was on the scene fast. By 4.30pm, the shell was safely removed and declared no longer a threat. Police reopened John Islip Street and allowed students back into the college soon after.
“Police were called at 15.44hrs on Monday, 1 December after an unexploded shell was discovered,” a Met spokesperson said. “John Islip Street was closed and the college evacuated. The ordnance was declared safe and removed shortly before 16.30hrs.”
Fire Brigade Responds To False Alarm
Adding to the drama, the London Fire Brigade was called to the same location following an automatic fire alarm at 4.57pm. After a thorough investigation, no fire was found. The crew from Lambeth Fire Station cleared the scene by 5.04pm.
Firefighters were called to an automatic fire alarm on John Islip Street in Westminster,” a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said. “No fire was found.”
The incident caused only brief disruption and ended without injury or damage, bringing relief to students and locals alike.
