A bomb was discovered on a Rome subway train at around 10 a.m. today, the city’s ATAC metro service said in an e-mailed statement.

The ANSA and Apcom news agency said the device was found inside a train during a stop in Rebibbia, on the outskirts of Rome.

The area was cleared and bomb disposal experts were examining the device, according to the reports.

Apcom said the device had been left in a grocery bag underneath a seat, and was spotted by the conductor in the morning.

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 Wednesday.

(Source: Press Association / Reuters)