Isle of Wight hovercraft services have been suspended following the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb.

Hovertravel has cancelled its crossings between Southsea and Ryde due to an unexploded bomb near Southsea Common today (Tuesday, December 3).

Hovertravel is expected to provide an update at 12.45pm.

Hovertravel said in a statement: "Services are cancelled due to an unexploded WW2 Bomb.

"The next update will be at 12.45pm.

"Tickets will be accepted on the Fast Cat Service.

"Please see our Disruption Contingency Plan web page."

More to follow.

Update (12.46pm): A spokesperson for Hovertravel said that the service's Southsea terminal was evacuated at around 12:30pm.

Police have sealed off the area at Pier Road, Southsea.

The public are being advised to avoid the area.

Police said in a statement: “We are currently on scene on the seafront, Southsea, after a piece of unexploded ordnance was discovered.

“Cordons have been put in place and premises within that area have been evacuated for their safety.

“These include Blue Reef Aquarium, the D-Day Museum, Clarence Pier and parts of the common. No residential properties have been evacuated.

“We are working with our partners in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to dispose of the item safely.

“We are urging members of the public to please avoid the area while this is carried out.

We will issue an update once the cordons have been lifted."

Update (1.18pm): Hovertravel said on their website the next update will be at 1.45pm.