ROWERS could be putting down their oars tomorrow as an unexploded WWII bomb is found near the start line of tomorrow's annual Oxford v Cambridge boat races.

Police were called out after a member of the public spotted the device near Putney Bridge, just yards from where the annual rowing event will get under way.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Police were called by a member of the public at approximately 1.50pm on Saturday reporting what they thought to be World War Two ordnance on the Chelsea shoreline by Putney Bridge.

"Officers including the Marine Policing Unit attended.

"The item is currently submerged."

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.

Police said they were working with the organisers of the boat race, but the races are currently expected to go ahead as planned.