North Greenwich station evacuation: Controlled explosion neutralises 'suspicious package'

Station evacuated since 11am

Police are carrying out a counter-terror investigation after a suspicious package was found on a train near The O2.

Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) were called to North Greenwich Underground station shortly after 11am after train staff reported a suspicious item on a train travelling eastbound on the Jubilee Line.

The station, which is nearby the O2 arena in south-east London, was evacuated and remains closed.

The Jubilee underground line was partially closed for more than four hours because of the incident.

A spokeswoman for British Transport Police told The Independent specialist officers are examining the "item".

No further details about the item have been released by the force.

"As a precaution a controlled detonation has since taken place to ensure the item was safe," a statement said.

Police have asked anyone who saw anything suspicious to call their anti-terrorist hotline.

A Scotland Yard statement said: "Specialist officers from the Met and BTP are in attendance and a controlled detonation has since taken place to ensure the item is safe.

"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."

Britain is on its second-highest alert level of "severe", meaning an attack is considered highly likely.

A statement from the O2 confirmed that a performance by Nickleback this evening would still go ahead.

"Following a security incident at North Greenwich earlier today, the station and part of the Jubilee Line remain closed. Following discussions with the Police, The O2 remains open and tonight’s Nickelback performance will go ahead as planned," the statement said.

"If you had intended to arrive by tube there are other options including MBNA Thames Clippers that stops at North Greenwich pier and also the DLR to Royal Victoria and the Emirates Airline across to North Greenwich.

"Our car parks remain open and there are drop off points for those arriving by taxi. Please also check Transport for London for routes and latest travel updates.

Police have asked anyone who saw anything suspicious on the eastbound train to call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321.