An explosive device was found today in an empty underground train carriage in Rome, the city's transport authority ATAC said.
The device was found by a train driver in a marshalling yard near the Rebibbia metro station at about 10am local time, ATAC said.
An ATAC official said the device could have exploded.
The train, which was being prepared for service, was empty apart from the driver, ATAC said.
It was not known if the device had since been defused.
Tensions are running high in Rome after student protests last week against government austerity cuts escalated into some of the worst violence in the capital for years.
Another demonstration is planned for tomorrow.
Reuters