A London Underground driver has been arrested after he allegedly downed a bottle of vodka before starting his shift.

The 50-year-old man is believed to have got drunk after getting into a row with his girlfriend on Saturday, it was reported.

He then allegedly took the controls of a northbound Jubilee Line train and carried on driving when he was meant to take a break.

It is claimed he was meant to stop at Wembley Park in north-west London, but he did not get out of the train until several stations later.

At that point a colleague smelled alcohol on his breath and the police were called.

The driver was arrested after failing to provide a breath sample and is currently suspended from duty.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said: ‘I can confirm that officers were called to Queensbury London Underground station shortly after 3pm on Saturday.

‘A 50-year-old man has been arrested under the Transport and Works Act and has been released on police bail until Wednesday, 2 April pending further enquiries.’

The Jubilee line runs automatically meaning the trains effectively drive themselves, with the driver only operating the doors.