A Tube driver has been arrested after allegedly being drunk in charge of a train.

The 50-year-old man was at the controls of a northbound Jubilee Line train on Saturday.

Sources said he had had been due to take a break and be replaced by a new driver at Wembley Park partway through his shift.

But he did not get out of the train until several stations later.

At that point a colleague smelled alcohol on his breath and the police were called.

He was arrested after failing to provide a breath sample and is currently suspended from duty.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokeswoman said: “I can confirm that officers were called to Queensbury London Underground station shortly after 3pm on Saturday.

“A 50-year-old man has been arrested under the Transport and Works Act and has been released on police bail until Wednesday, 2 April pending further enquiries.”

The Jubilee line runs automatically meaning the trains effectively drive themselves, with the driver only operating the doors.

But being drunk in charge of a Tube train could result in criminal charges and instant dismissal from the job.

Finn Brennan, district organiser for London for the train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “We are aware that a member of staff has been arrested and an investigation is taking place.”

A TfL spokesman said: “On Saturday afternoon a train operator was relieved from duty after concerns were raised about his conduct.

“The train operator was subsequently taken into custody by British Transport Police. The member of staff is suspended while investigations by ourselves and the BTP are continuing.”