UPDATE: Bomb disposal truck arrives and homes evacuated after possible Second World War shell discovered in Mill Street, Oxford

Police closed the road at about noon and put a 50 metre cordon in place after the item was discovered. Officers have since said the closure could be in place until 6.30pm.

A bomb disposal truck has also arrived at the scene.

But despite being asked to leave their homes, residents are not worried and have set up camp in nearby pub The Kite.

Matthew Perryman, 25, of Russell Street just off Mill Street, said he went to lunch with friend Henry Osborne and came back to find the street blocked by police.

The pair have now taken refuge in the Kite pub on Mill Street.

Mr Perryman (pictured above right with friend Henry at the Kite) said: "When we went to lunch the cordon wasn't as far down but when we came back we weren't allowed in. 

"I'm worried for my housemate actually. I think he's asleep and I can't get in touch with him."

Don Collett (shown below) lives in Russell Street as well but said he wasn't evacuated. He just wanted to come to the Kite for a birthday drink as he turns 87 today. 

He said: "Even a WW2 bomb scare won't stop me from having a birthday bitter. It didn't stop me in WW2 so won't stop me now."

Assistant manager of the Kite Luke Sushams said he had seen several residents at his pub sitting there for the last few hours. 

Mr Sushams (shown above with colleague Cameron) said: "It's a shame our rooms are fully booked or we could offer people a place to stay."

Harriet Lenard from Canada has been visiting her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in Mill Street but said the police came knocking at about noon. 

She said: "We began to walk up the street and came to have lunch at the pub. The manager gave my granddaughter, Elisa, his daughter's laptop so she could play games"

One woman, who asked not to be named, said she lived right next to the cordon but police were not allowing her to get in her house.

She said: "They told me to come back in a couple of hours so I went shopping but I've come back and they still won't let me in. My dog is in there and they won't let me get my dog."

Matt Savage (below) of Barrett Street, said the bomb was found in his neighbour's garden under both of their fences.

He said: "Obviously it's a bit of a worry as we've been digging under those fences for the last 10 years, poking things with shovels.

"It's a stressful time for us all as the FA cup is on at 5.15pm."

Friend and neighbour Paul Davies (below) with wife Marine and 15-month-old daughter Emma, said they had just returned from holiday in Salcombe to find they weren't allowed in their house.

He said: "I guess we will just have to wait here at the Kite. Or come up with a back up plan."

Drivers are encouraged to find other routes to ease congestion.