London Underground superbugs warning prompts deep-cleaning

Parts of the London Underground network will be deep-cleaned every night this summer after dangerous superbugs were discovered.

As part of air quality improvement measures announced by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the intensified cleaning regime will aim to reduce commuters' exposure to dust and particles.

It comes after researchers at London Metropolitan University found 121 different types of bacteria and mould on public transport in the capital.

Eight of all the bacteria discovered were found to be among the most threatening to human health, with the Victoria Line deemed to be the dirtiest.

Image:1.37 billion passengers travel on the Tube every year

Around 50 Tube stations will be cleaned each night with magnetic wands and industrial vacuum cleaners used to remove dust, oil, grease and metal particles.

Mr Khan said: "I've asked for an updated scientific analysis of pollution on the Tube so we can fully assess the air quality levels and take appropriate measures to ensure that the air is clean."

The movement of trains along rail lines, engineering works and skin particles all contribute to dust on the network.

London Underground managing director Mark Wild said: "As scientific understanding of the effects of particles develops, we are ensuring that we're both using the very latest research and that we're doing everything possible to keep the air underground clean for our customers and staff."