Rubbish fire hits rail services

Monday morning commuter train services in south-east London and Kent could be affected by a massive rubbish fire close to a railway line.

There are concerns that gas canisters among 50 tonnes of burning refuse could explode, London Fire Brigade said.

The fire broke out on Sunday morning in Waldo Road, between Bromley South and Bickley stations in south-east London.

Eurostar trains are suspended to and from London Waterloo while suburban services in Kent have also been hit.

The fire service advised that the railway line should be closed down because of its proximity to the blaze at a "refuse transfer station".

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "We have had to shut the line, so services are suspended while they implement an exclusion zone. This could last up to 24 hours."

Replacement buses

Southeastern Railway services are subject to alterations, cancellations and delays.

Trains from London Victoria to Sevenoaks and Swanley, via Bromley South, have been disrupted.

Bus replacement services are running from Bromley South to Rochester, Swanley and Orpington.

Southeastern's website said: "Return London buses will pass on all reasonable routes from Bromley South to Victoria."

No casualties

On Eurostar, services to and from London Waterloo are starting and terminating at Ashford International in Kent.

A spokesman said: "Passengers are advised not to travel today and to postpone their journeys if at all possible."

More than 30 firefighters have been tackling the blaze and a 200-yard (183m) exclusion zone has been set up.

There were no reports of any casualties.