Sadiq Khan urges Londoners to be vigilant and calm following North Greenwich security alert arrest
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged Londoners to be calm and vigilant after an arrest was made today under the Terrorism Act following a security alert at North Greenwich station yesterday.
Khan also praised the police and TfL for their swift action in dealing with the alert.
A 19-year-old man was arrested by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, assisted by armed colleagues, on Holloway Road in Islington this afternoon.
He was arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism acts, under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after North Greenwich Tube station was shut down for hours yesterday, due to a suspicious item found on one of the trains at the station.
Commuters faced transport havoc as Jubilee Line services were disrupted and buses were unable to serve the busy area around North Greenwich station.
“Thanks to the outstanding professionalism of the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London staff and the British Transport Police, this situation was dealt with swiftly and safely and no injuries resulted," said Khan.
“I have been in constant contact with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the TfL Commissioner throughout the past two days. 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.”
Khan added: “Over the next few days you will see more officers in and around transport hubs to provide reassurance about public safety."
The mayor also reminded Londoners to contact the Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 with any concerns or information.