London Bridge is burning: Fire next to train track causes ‘severe disruption’ for commuters

Revellers looking to enjoy a Friday night out in London are facing huge travel disruptions because of a lineside fire at London Bridge train station.

Video footage shows a fire burning away while shocked would-be passengers look on from the platform.

Trains to and from Charing Cross are being severely disrupted because of the fire next to the track, Southeastern Railway reported.

Videos posted to social media show the fire blazing and send plumes of black smoke across the train tracks.

While one clip appears to be filmed from another train going through the station on an unaffected line at a slow speed.

The fire service are in attendance and a spokesperson for the train provider said Network Rail is working to move trains between Charing Cross and London Bridge into platforms as soon as possible.

Travellers are being diverted to alternative stations where possible and have been told their tickets will be accepted on London Underground and London Bus services at no extra cost.

Network Rail Kent & Sussex tweeted: ‘We are sorry for the disruption to @Se_Railway passengers travelling into and out of London Bridge while @LondonFire deal with a track side fire. All lines are currently blocked.’

On their website, Southeastern Railway says: ‘A fire next to the track is affecting services to and from London Bridge. The fire is just outside the station on the track from platforms 6 and 7.

‘The fire service are on site and are working with staff to extinguish the fire, then the line will need to be checked for potential damage.

‘Trains are currently unable to run from platforms 6 or 7, which means no trains are able to run to or from Charing Cross at the moment.

‘We’re working on moving trains stopped between Charing Cross and London Bridge into platforms as soon as we can.

‘Where possible, services will be diverted to run to or from Cannon Street, however some trains will be cancelled or amended at short notice.’