Sadiq Khan has hailed the “outstanding” work of police who today arrested a teenager for allegedly leaving a suspected bomb on a crowded Tube train.
The 19-year-old was shot with a Taser on Holloway Road this afternoon after counter-terror officers swooped on the busy shopping street.
His arrest on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism acts, came after the bomb squad detonated a suspect device left on a packed Jubilee Line train at North Greenwich yesterday.
Following the arrest, the mayor praised the “outstanding professionalism” of the Met, Transport for London (TfL) staff and the British Transport Police in dealing with the terror alert “swiftly and safely.”
And he said more police officers would be out and about around the transport network over the weekend in a bid to reassure worried Londoners
He said: “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.”
“Over the next few days you will see more officers in and around transport hubs to provide reassurance about public safety,” he added.
The remains of yesterday’s package are still being forensically examined but there are fears that it may have been a viable explosive device.
Police continue to appeal to anyone with information to call the Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. The public is urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police through the anti-Terrorist Hotline or in an emergency 999.
