An unexploded World War Two shell was found near the start line of the Boat Race, but the 163rd clash been Oxford and Cambridge rowers will still go ahead.

Police were called after a member of the public spotted the device near Putney Bridge yesterday afternoon, just yards from where the annual boat race is set to begin.

But the shell has now been removed and the race will go ahead as planned.

The shell is currently being tested, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said today.

Officers and the force’s Marine Policing Unit had been called to the Chelsea Shoreline near Putney Bridge at about 1.50pm yesterday (Saturday, April 1), but the course is now believed to be safe.

Chief Inspector Tracy Stephenson said: "I'm very happy to update that the ordnance has now been safely removed and the race will be going ahead as planned.

"We have been working very closely with the organisers of the boat race to plan this event which is eagerly awaited by spectators and supporters alike."

From Friday: PICTURES: Oxford v Cambridge university Boat Races from past years

Thousands of people are expected to line the banks of the Thames to watch the 163rd edition of the Boat Race between the two universities.

The men’s event starts at 5.35pm, while the women’s race – in its 72nd year – begins at 4.35pm.

Cambridge’s male rowers have won 82 races to date, just ahead of Oxford’s tally of 79. The 1877 race was a dead heat.

Cambridge’s ladies are farther ahead of their Oxford counterparts with 41 wins to 30.