HOMES in Clayton were evacuated after a World War II artillery shell was found at a property.

Police were called to Green End in Clayton shortly before 3.45pm yesterday when an artillery shell was found in a property.

Officers took photographs of the shell and sent them to the army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal who confirmed it could still be live.

The residents of the property and those of neighbouring houses were advised to evacuate, and a safety cordon was set up for 200 metres around the house. Richard Dunn Sports Centre was opened up as an evacuation centre.

Army Bomb squad officers were dispatched from Catterick Garrison attended at the scene shortly after 10.50pm and declared the device was not dangerous before removing it from the premises.

Residents were allowed back in their homes a short time later.

Bradford Council's emergency planning duty manager, Mick Burro, said: "We were asked to respond to an unexploded World War II shell at a property in Clayton yesterday at about 9.30pm by the Police who placed a 200 metre cordon around the premises.

"We worked with our highways officers and the police to close off the road and divert traffic while the artillery shell was examined and removed by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Catterick.

"In the meantime families from three homes were evacuated. Richard Dunn Sports Centre was opened as an Evacuation Centre although families stayed locally with relatives or friends."