An 18-year-old man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of terror offenses related to Friday’s explosion on a London subway train.
The man was detained in the costal city of Dover and was taken to a local police station, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. Police did not comment on his identity or alleged involvement in the blast, but Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu called the arrest “significant.”
Police had previously reported that the person who placed the explosive device in a trashcan onboard the train had been identified. Dover is connected to France through the Eurotunnel, which indicates that the man may have been trying to flee the country.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack Friday night through several channels linked to the terror group. ISIS claims it was carried out by an affiliated unit. (RELATED: Britain Expects More Attacks As ISIS Claims Responsibility For Subway Blast)
British Prime Minister Theresa May increased the terror threat from severe to critical, meaning an attack is expected imminently. Basu said the threat level will remain the same despite the arrest.
“The public will see more armed police on the transport network and on our streets, providing extra protection,” May told BBC. “This is a proportionate and sensible step which will provide extra reassurance and protection while the investigation progresses.”
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