Teenager charged after suspicious item found at London Tube station

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world

Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

A teenager has been charged on suspicion of making or possessing an explosive substance with the intent to endanger life after an incident on the London Underground.

Damon Smith, 19, from south east London, was charged in relation to a suspect item that was found at North Greenwich underground station on Thursday, Scotland Yard said.

Mr Smith is charged with unlawfully and maliciously making or possessing an explosive substance with an intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, according to the Met. He is due to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning.

North Greenwich station was evacuated around 11am after the device was found on an eastbound Jubilee Line train near the O2 Arena.

The 19-year-old is alleged to have made or acquired the substance between October 18 and October 21, contrary to section 3(1)(b) Explosive Substances Act 1883.

A controlled explosion was carried out on the device, which had reportedly been handed to the Tube driver.

The threat level for transport in London was then raised to severe to reflect that an attack was highly likely.

The Met Police said more police, including armed officers would be visible around the transport network.