Hovertravel services remain suspended this afternoon (Tuesday) after a piece of unexploded ordnance was discovered earlier today.
Police remain on scene on the seafront in Southsea following the discovery at around 9.35am.
It is reported that a suspected WWII bomb was discovered by diggers carrying out sea defence works.
Cordons have been put in place and premises within that area have been evacuated for their safety.
These include Blue Reef Aquarium, the D-Day Museum, Clarence Pier and parts of the common.
No residential properties have been evacuated.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said:
"We are working with our partners in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to dispose of the item safely.
"We are urging members of the public to please avoid the area while this is carried out.
"We will issue an update once the cordons have been lifted."
A statement issued by Hovertravel said:
"At 11am Hovertravel suspended its operations, following communication from Kings Harbour Master and the police regarding the exclusion zone surrounding the discovery of unexploded WW2 bomb.
"The exclusion zone included Hovertravel’s Southsea landing pad and approach.
"At (midday) the exclusion zone was extended to include Hovertravel’s Southsea terminal buildings which were immediately closed.
"Hovertravel remains in close liaison with all the relevant authorities managing this situation and is providing regular updates to its customers.
"(The) next update (is) due at 4.45pm and as per the service status on our website, Hovertravel customers can travel on the Fast Cat Service."
Local Business Gives Back By Supporting Surf Charity
Local Energy Company Seeks Rooftops For Community Solar Projects
Who Will You Nominate For 50th Isle Of Wight Sports Achievement Awards?
Isle Of Wight Churches Launch Urgent Fundraising Appeal For Debt Help On The Island
Plans Afoot To Improve Isle Of Wight Cycling And Walking Routes
Appeal Following Report Of Assault In Cowes
Witness Appeal Following Fatal Incident On Isle Of Wight
Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Attends ‘Man In River’ Emergency
Wightlink Releases Statement Regarding Suspended Services
Changing Rooms: Shanklin Hotel Set For Upgrades
'Plagued' Ryde Farmhouse Set For Demolition
Leeson Road To Re-Open This Sunday
Supergrass, Jess Glynne And Busted Among Latest Acts Announced For Isle Of Wight Festival 2025
Inspectors Appointed For Island Planning Strategy Examination
Islanders Floating Bridge Views Sought
Two More Years Of Restoration Works Confirmed For Isle Of Wight Quarry
RSPCA Isle Of Wight Appeal Launched To Help Island's Most Vulnerable Animals This Christmas
Appeal For Information Following Assault At Crown Pub In Ryde
New Entrance And Kitchen Mooted For Freshwater Bay Hotel
Cinema And Other Ryde Businesses Set For £12,600 'Facelift'
