Traffic Alert: M6 closed in Birmingham after bomb scare

2pm Update: The closures remain in place and latest estimates are that the situation will not revert to normal until at least 4.30pm.

Police have set up a perimeter of around 500m after the device was uncovered at a construction site in Priory Road, Aston.

West Midlands Police said: “This has meant that a number of businesses and houses in the area have been evacuated as a precaution and the A38 Aston Expressway has been closed in both directions.

“It is understood that some train services will be affected as the train lines run parallel to the A38.”

A bomb disposal team is understood to be on site.

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Drivers have been warned of major disruption on routes in and out of Birmingham city centre following a bomb scare.

All entry and exit slip roads at Junction 6 of the M6 (Aston Expressway, A38M, Spaghetti Junction) are closed due to a police incident, thought to be the discovery of an unexploded wartime bomb in Aston.

The closures include all roads leading to and from Salford Circus.

Traffic southbound is stretching back to Junction 7 at Great Barr and northbound, to 4a (connection with the M42).

Initial estimates are that the situation may not return to normal until at least 1.30pm.