Jubilee Line CHAOS: Terror cops EXPLODE suspicious package in North Greenwich near The O2
COUNTER-TERROR police have launched an investigation after blowing up a suspect package found on a train near The O2.
British Transport Police were called to North Greenwich Station at 11am after London Underground staff found a suspect package on an eastbound Jubilee Line Tube.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command have launched an investigation into the incident.
The line was shut down between Stratford and Canary Wharf as specialist officers blew up the package.
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
Metropolitan Police said in a statement: "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.
"British Transport Police is supporting them in their investigation.
"If anyone saw anything suspicious on this particular train or anywhere else we would urge them to call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321, in an emergency always call 999.
Jubilee Line closed over security alert at North Greenwich
"We are asking travellers to check with Transport for London before starting their journey.
"We continue to encourage the public to remain vigilant and alert at all times and report anything suspicious to police."
Police will not reveal what the item was, but did confirm officers carried out a "controlled detonation".
Scores of police vans remained on alert with up to 50 officers, some patrolling with sniffer dogs, manning a cordon roughly the size of six football pitches around the Underground station.
Passengers reported hearing alarms going off as they were ordered to leave the station at around 11am.
One commuter said there was "a bit of pandemonium" as the evacuation took place as worried passengers left the station.
Services have now resumed with severe delays. North Greenwich remains closed. Tickets accepted on DLR, Emirates Air Line & local buses.
— Jubilee line (@jubileeline) October 20, 2016
Jubilee line shut down. Bomb squad in attendance at North Greenwich ������
— Minhaz (@WE12UTD) October 20, 2016
We are currently at North Greenwich station following a security alert. The station is currently closed. Updates to follow.
— BTP Jubilee line (@BTPJubilee) October 20, 2016
Barman Edward Kirke was forced to get on the last bus to the O2 before transport ground to a halt.
The 23-year-old said: "They were putting the cordon up when I arrived at 11ish.
"People are saying they found the package on a tube train below the arena.
"I was at Canada Water and suddenly there was an announcement that there were no more trains were going through because of a security alert.
"I was the last person to get on the bus and they stopped them coming towards North Greenwich straight after."
North Greenwich Station was evacuated and shut for nearly seven hours, reopening shortly before 7pm, sparking travel chaos for commuters.
Passengers on other TfL lines and commuter services into London were warned not to leave any belongings behind due to the security alert.
North Greenwich is the main station serving the O2 Arena.
The O2 Arena remains open and a spokesman confirmed a Nickelback concert go ahead this evening.
London -the show will go on. We will be posting information shortly on the approved methods of transportation to get to @The02venues tonite.
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 20, 2016
A spokesman for The O2 said: “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.
“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.”
The ‘Up at The O2’ attraction, which sees visitors climb over the roof of the arena was closed briefly as police cordoned off the nearby area.
Commuters were warned to expect severe delays ahead of rush hour.
There was no service on the Jubilee line between Canary Wharf and Stratford for nearly seven hours as a result of the alert, with severe delays on the rest of the line.
Passengers also reported delays on the Metropolitan Line for trains at Baker Street where it meets the Jubilee Line.
Bus routes were also disrupted.
North Greenwich: The station has now reopened following an earlier security alert.
— Jubilee line (@jubileeline) October 20, 2016
A tweet from the TfL Jubilee Line account said they could “not predict” how long the delays will last.
Another wrote: “North Greenwich tube and bus station closed because of a 'security threat' - police with guns! Sure it's just precautionary but worrying.”
Shortly before 4pm, the TfL Jubilee Line account said: “No service Canary Wharf - Stratford and severe delays on the rest of the line due to a security alert at North Greenwich. Underground.
“Tickets will be accepted on local buses buses @se_railway, @LondonDLR, @Greateranglia, @emiratesairldn & @TfLRail via reasonable routes.”