A bomb from World War II was discovered in Ramersdorf -- a district in Munich -- before being defused, police announced on Monday.

The 250-kg explosive device dating from the war period had a mechanical igniter, according to the police, Xinhua reported.

About 1,500 residents working and living in houses within a radius of 500 metres were evacuated before 6 pm, when experts began the bomb's removal.

A nearby highway was partly closed because of the removal but has since reopened.

Munich, the capital and largest city in Bavaria state, was severely damaged in the Second World War.