Anti-terror police have been given extra time to question a teenager held on terror charges over a suspicious device found on the Tube.

The Metropolitan Police have been granted a warrant to hold the 19-year-old man, who was Tasered during an armed operation, until 12pm on 28 October.

British Transport Police were called to North Greenwich station in London on Thursday morning and a controlled explosion was carried out shortly afterwards.

The device has been linked to a suspicious item found by Met Police officers in Newton Abbot, Devon.

Image: Police at the North Greenwich Tube station on Thursday

Scotland Yard has released no details on the device found at North Greenwich station, saying only it is being forensically examined.


However, Sky News' Home Affairs Correspondent Mark White has learnt that authorities have ruled out the possibility the device was a hoax.

They are working on the theory that it may have been an improvised explosive device, White said.

Meanwhile, sources have confirmed to Sky News that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has decided to raise the threat level on London transport in response to the incident, although there is no suggestion of a wider imminent threat to the network.

More officers, including armed police and covert officers, have been deployed in and around transport hubs to reassure the public.

Staff working on the London transport system have been told to be extra vigilant over the coming days.

The Metropolitan Police have said they are not looking for any other suspects in connection with the device found at North Greenwich station at the moment.

Police said that while the stun gun was discharged during the suspect's arrest, no shots were fired.

Image: The station is a main hub for London's O2 complex

One witness said the arrested man was white, bearded and wearing a hoodie, long jacket, jeans and trainers.

Ali, who did not want to give his full name, said the man had been walking along the street "normally" when police descended.

He said: "The armed police, I think five of them, ran behind him and put him on the floor.

"He was struggling not to get arrested for a good five minutes. They were shouting, 'Armed police, don't struggle.' Everything happened so quick."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the situation in Greenwich was dealt with "swiftly and safely, and no injuries resulted".

He added: "Keeping Londoners safe is my highest priority.

"I am urging all Londoners to check with TfL before they travel and to remain calm and vigilant at all times."

:: Police urged anyone who saw anything suspicious on the train, or anywhere else, to call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.