TRAINS in Southampton have been disrupted after a wartime bomb was discovered near the railway. 

South Western Railway (SWR) says the unexploded World War 2 device was found close to the track between Sholing and Netley. 

As a result, all lines in that area were blocked earlier on today. 

Although all lines in the area have now reopened, SWR says disruption is expected until 5pm.  

Services between Southampton Central and Portsmouth and Southsea were forced to divert via Eastleigh. 

A police spokesperson told the Echo earlier today: "We were called at 10am this morning (Friday 3 Dec) following the discovery of what was believed to be a piece of historic ordnance at a construction site on Grange Road in Netley.

"Officers are currently in attendance and a 100m cordon has been put in place as a precaution.

"Road closures are currently in place at Woolston Road between Tickleford Drive and Grange Road while emergency services are dealing with the incident."

Passengers had been advised that train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. 

Tickets are being accepted at no extra cost on Southern Rail services between Clapham Junction and Gatwick Airport, as well as First bus routes 6 and 9 and Xelabus routes X4, X5 and 406. 

Replacement bus services were also operating between Southampton Central and Fareham earlier today.

SWR said on its website: "We are very sorry for any delay that this may cause to your journey."