Controlled explosion performed on 'suspicious package' at North Greenwich Tube

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command have launched an investigation after a controlled explosion was carried out on a suspicious item found on a Tube train.

Shortly after 11am on 20 October, British Transport Police were called to North Greenwich Underground Station when train staff reported a suspicious item on a train travelling eastbound on the Jubilee Line, the Met Police said in a statement.

The station, which is located near the O2 arena, was evacuated and remains closed.

A controlled explosion was carried out "to ensure the item is safe". Police remain on the scene.

"While we are keeping an open mind, the Met's Counter Terrorism Command is leading the investigation because it has the expertise to deal with incidents of this kind. British Transport Police is supporting them in their investigation," said the Met Police in a statement.

Members of the public with information relevant to the investigation have been asked to call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

The TfL website said that there are "severe delays" on the Jubilee Line due to the security alert, while there is currently no service between Canary Wharf and Stratford.