Counter-terrorism detectives have launched an investigation after a suspicious item was found on a Tube service.

A controlled detonation was carried out after the alert on Thursday morning.

Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) were called to North Greenwich Underground station shortly after 11am after train staff reported a suspicious item on a train travelling eastbound on the Jubilee Line.

The station, which is close to the O2 complex in south-east London, was evacuated and remains closed.

A Scotland Yard statement said: "Specialist officers from the Met and BTP are in attendance and a controlled detonation has since taken place to ensure the item is safe.

"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."

No details of the item were released by the force.

The Met Police added: "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.

"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."

The current threat level for international terrorism in the UK is severe - meaning an attack is "highly likely".

A performance by the band Nickelback at The O2 will go ahead as planned tonight.

The O2 said in a statement: "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."