Cops beef up security on London Underground after ‘viable explosive device’ arrest
Police have deployed more officers and armed police this weekend after 19-year-old man was arrested yesterday in connection with package in North Greenwich
SECURITY has been stepped up on the London Underground this weekend after a ‘explosive device’ was found on the network earlier this week.
Cops disposed of the ‘viable’ device on Thursday in a controlled explosion and arrested a 19-year-old man yesterday.
A Scotland Yard spokesman told the news agency Agence France-Presse today that: “The public will see more officers, including armed police, in and around transport hubs.”
The young suspect is being questioned under counter-terrorism laws in connection with the suspicious package found the day before at North Greenwich station.
A policeman with an electric stun gun was present during the arrest on Holloway Road, a busy shopping street in north London, but no shots were fired.
The suspect – who was arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism acts – remains in custody.
The item, which was found near The O2 arena in southeast London, was forensically examined by the authorities.
Britain's current national terror threat level has been set at severe – the fourth-highest of five – since August 2014, meaning an attack is considered ‘highly likely’.
reported that the suspect was thought to be a “lone wolf” and said that the incident was “feared to be the first credible bombing attempt on the London transport network in more than 10 years”.
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The threat level for transport in London has also been raised to 'severe' meaning an attack is also considered to be 'highly likely'.
Security officials have also contacted the Ministry of Defence to warn military personnel the suspect may have planted more devices, according to the .
A memo to its staff said: “This increase is in response to the discovery of a suspected viable improvised explosive device (IED) on a London Underground train yesterday.
“It is unknown who placed the device and what their motivation was.
“Therefore it remains possible that the perpetrator may attempt to place further devices.
“The threat level will continue to be reviewed as further information is received.”
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