Essex Police have confirmed that the bomb on the Dartford Crossing contains no explosives.

The Second World War bomb was found on the Queen Elizabeth II bridge at around 8.55am today.

Since then, Essex Police have released an update, saying: "The MoD bomb disposal team has assessed the unexploded bomb and have confirmed it is an empty shell casing with no explosives inside.

"It will now be taken away from the site and there will be no need for any further closures to the QEII Bridge."

Essex Travel has said traffic is now moving more smoothly along the crossing after a rolling road block was put in place this morning.

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said: "Thurrock Council is aware of an unexploded World War 2 Bomb at a site in Oliver Close, West Thurrock.

"The Council will support Essex Police with any action as needed."