BOMB disposal experts were called to the Nissan plant at Washington a number of unexploded bombs were found by workmen.

Diggers carrying out excavation work on the site uncovered the unexploded bombs at around 4.15pm on Thursday.

A small area was cordoned off as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians removed the devices.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “As a precaution work was stopped while the EOD attended to make the devices safe and get them removed.

“A small cordon was put in place on the site to allow that to happen safely – police, fire service and ambulance were at the scene.

“No roads were closed and there should be no impact to any members of the public.”

It is understood that the worker who discovered the devices was taken to hospital after some gas was released from one of the bombs during the excavation. He is not thought to be seriously ill.