A hidden treasure trove of weapons has been found at a Wimbledon Village stately home.
This afternoon, police briefly set up a cordon around Southside House, in Woodhayes Road next to Wimbledon Common, after reports that weapons and weapon-making material had been found.
The call to police had been made by builders at the site, who made the discovery during renovation works to repair damage caused by a fire in November.
The 17th century building is used as a museum which houses hundreds of antiques and paintings.
A spokesman for Merton police said a former resident of Southside House was an ex-Special Operations Executive who kept a hidden stash of pistols, machine guns and other artillery used in the Second World War.
He confirmed a cordon had been set up by police but denied reports from nearby residents that an unexploded bomb had been discovered.
The spokesman said: “Despite what some have said, we can confirm a bomb was not found.
“The builders found a hidden room that has been locked up since the war.
“Our specialist team went in there and quickly established there was no bomb and removed the cordon.
“The materials have now been recovered and were taken to Wimbledon police station.”
Were you in the Village this afternoon and saw what happened? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6335 or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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