SHOREHAM Airport has been shut after workmen found a suspected Second World War bomb nearby.

The foot-long explosive was discovered about 700 metres from the runway at 9am today.

Flights have been suspended and the airport closed as a precaution.

A 100 metre cordon was set up around the object, and bomb experts are on their way to the site.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Brighton City Airport at Cecil Pashley Way, Shoreham, has been closed after workmen dug up what appears to be a Second World War bomb, approximately a foot long.

"The discovery was reported around 9am on Wednesday and a 50 metre cordon - since extended to 100 metres - was set up around the object.

"Although some 700 metres away from the runway, the suspected bomb is within 100 metres of the airport perimeter road and so the airport has been shut and flights suspended as a precaution.

"Police and firefighters are in attendance and a military Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Aldershot is en route to identify and deal with the object."