The unexploded bombs, dating back to World War 2, prompted the evacuation of a historic city centre.

By Alice Scarsi, World News Editor, Emily Wright, World News Reporter

10:41, Wed, Jun 4, 2025 | UPDATED: 10:59, Wed, Jun 4, 2025

Cologne city centre

The city centre of Cologne had to be evacuated. (Image: Thomas Banneyer/dpa via AP)

Up to 20,000 people were evacuated on Wednesday morning from a historic German city after three unexploded WW2 bombs were found. Large parts of Cologne's city centre, including hospitals, care homes and a hotel, have been cordoned off as experts attempt to defuse the explosives.

Police have cleared an area stretching 3,200 feet - a "danger zone" - around the site, which covers the potential blast radius. This is the largest evacuation in the area since World War Two. This has meant several schools, nurseries, museums and even the local tram network have been shut down for hours. Three bridges over the iconic Rhine River are also out of use.

Cityscape of Cologne, Germany

The three bombs are US-manufactured weapons from over 80 years ago. (Image: Getty)

The three bombs are US-manufactured weapons from over 80 years ago. Two weigh 90 kilos, whole the third weights 45 kilos.

They are said to be equipped with impact fuses which detonate after coming into contact with a hard surface.

The bombs were first discovered on Monday (June 2) on the right bank of the Rhine during building works near the Deutz shipworks.

Bomb disposal experts are believed to be at work inside areas surrounded by large white fences.

Old St. Alban's, historic ruins and memorial in Cologne, destroyed in World War II, Germany

During the war, Cologne was hit by over 260 air raids by the RAF, which killed around 20,000 people. (Image: Getty)

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All the explosives are due to be safely removed by midday, according to officials.

Volunteers and police were seen travelling around the city informing locals and business owners if the evacuation order. Tents have been set up by the council to help those unable to go home, with food, refreshments and key support, city authorities added.

During the war, Cologne was hit by over 260 air raids by the RAF, which killed around 20,000 people.