In Dresden, experts have started defusing a World War II bomb. "The measures to evacuate people in the restricted area have been completed," a police spokesman said on Thursday afternoon when asked. A helicopter had previously flown over the restricted area. About 3,300 people were affected. 25 residents had used the emergency accommodation in the exhibition hall.

The 250-kilogram bomb from World War II was discovered on Wednesday during construction work in Dresden. "Since the detonator is severely deformed, it is not an everyday use," emphasized the police spokesman. The ordnance experts want to remove the live detonator with a special machine.

The location of the bomb on Friedrichstrasse is in a residential area and close to a large hospital. However, the Friedrichstadt clinic should not be evacuated during the bomb disposal. Patients would be moved to secure parts of the building within the hospital. In addition to fire and rescue services, 270 police officers are on duty.