HARBIN -- A bomb left by Japanese invaders during World War II has been found in Northeast China, local police said Sunday.

The 12.5-kg bomb, about 40 centimeters long and 15 cm in diameter, was discovered in front of a school in Heihe City, Heilongjiang Province.

The bomb still has a fuse, police said may cause an explosion. The bomb has been transferred to a local public security bureau.

Bombs left by Japanese invaders have been found many times in Heihe in the past.

Japanese troops began their invasion of northeast China on September 18, 1931. Japan's full-scale invasion began after a crucial access point to Beijing, Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, was attacked on July 7, 1937.