Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Teenager charged after suspicious item found at London Tube station

Damon Smith is accused of maliciously making or possessing explosives

Harriet Agerholm
Wednesday 26 October 2016 23:34 BST
Comments
The 19-year-old is alleged to have made or acquired substance between October 18 and October 21
The 19-year-old is alleged to have made or acquired substance between October 18 and October 21 (Twitter)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in