London Bridge: Firefighters tackle two blazes near train station

Train tracks have been blocked and several buildings evacuated after a fire broke out near London Bridge.

More than 70 firefighters are tackling the blaze in a railway arch on Union Street, Southwark, which was reported just after 09:20 BST.

Network Rail said it had also spread to a car park and a “couple of electric cars are ablaze”.

Four rail lines have been closed, while the Jubilee line on the Tube is also part suspended.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the entire railway arch beneath the tracks had caught fire and smoke “can be seen from miles around”.

Footage shared on social media showed huge amounts of dark smoke billowing into the sky

Student Lauren Chopin, who lives in an apartment two minutes’ walk from the fire, said she had to wear a mask in her apartment due to the fumes.

“There is a lot of smoke all through Union Street and neighbouring streets,” said the 20-year-old.

“It sometimes slows down and the smoke becomes whiter, only to be followed by another huge burst of black smoke.”

LFB station commander Wayne Johnson said: “The blaze is producing heavy smoke and those living or working in the local area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

“Trains to and from London Bridge are affected and several buildings have been evacuated.”

The brigade previously said crews were also investigating another blaze at London Bridge Tube station after smoke was seen but it was later “determined this was from the fire on Union Street”.

A Network Rail South East spokesperson urged travellers to check their journeys as the blaze was causing major disruption to trains between Waterloo East and London Bridge.

They said: “We’ve got all four lines blocked through Ewer Street junction at the moment owing to the fire.”

Train operator Southeastern warned passengers that the fire meant “services across all routes through London Bridge are severely disrupted”.

“Trains are being diverted to other London terminals or terminated at alternative locations.”

Transport for London (TfL) confirmed the Jubilee line has also been shut between Canary Wharf and Green Park for safety checks.