A teenager charged over a bomb scare on a North Greenwich tube had a “viable” explosive device, a court has heard.
Damon Smith was on Thursday remanded in custody after appearing in Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with unlawfully and maliciously making or possessing an explosive substance with an intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.
Police claim the 19-year-old acquired the substance between October 18 and October 21 contrary to the Explosive Substances Act.
A controlled explosion was carried out on the device, which was reportedly handed to the Tube driver and possibly had wires and a clock, after it was discovered last Thursday.
Smith was arrested by armed police the following day on Holloway Road in North London.
Another device was allegedly later discovered at an address in Devon leading to evacuations, however it was found to be not viable, police said.
British Transport Police were called to the North Greenwich tube station, close to the O2 complex in south-east London, shortly after 11am after train staff reported finding a “suspicious item” on a train travelling eastbound on the Jubilee Line.
Officers evacuated the station and it remained shut for several hours as specialist teams worked to make the item safe.
Following the incident The Met issued a statement saying: “Officers continue to encourage the public to remain vigilant and alert at all times, and report anything suspicious to police.
“The public will see more officers, including armed police, in and around transport hubs to provide reassurance around public safety.”
The current threat level for international terrorism in the UK is severe - meaning an attack is “highly likely”.