Teenager in court over suspicious item found at North Greenwich Tube station

A teenager charged on suspicion of making or possessing an explosive substance following the discovery of a suspicious item on a Tube is to appear in court.

Damon Smith, 19, from south east London, has been charged over the incident at North Greenwich underground station last Thursday, Scotland Yard said.

Smith is accused of unlawfully and maliciously making or possessing an explosive substance with an intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, the Metropolitan Police said.

He 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 was reportedly handed to the Tube driver and possibly had wires and a clock.

Smith was arrested by armed police on Friday on Holloway Road in North London.

Another device was allegedly discovered at an address in Devon leading to evacuations, however it was found to be not viable, police said.

He is due to appear from custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning.