DISRUPTION on the railways in the News Shopper area is expected to last until later this afternoon, according to National Rail.

A track-side fire in South Bermondsey this morning forced the closure of the busy London Bridge, Charing Cross and Cannon Street stations.

Most Southeastern, Southern and First Capital Connect trains were unable to call at any of the stations.

However, National Rail says First Capital Connect trains and Southern trains are now running normally to and from London Bridge after heavy delays throughout the day.

Southeastern train services in and out London Bridge are all still affected though and passengers will continue to face delays until around 4.30pm today (March 3).

A reduced Southeastern train service is running to and from London Charing Cross and London Cannon Street and trains to and from London Bridge are being delayed by up to 30 minutes.

Some trains to and from Dartford will be diverted to London Victoria. Passengers are being accepted on London Underground, London Buses and South West Trains services on any reasonable routes.

Tickets are also being accepted on Docklands Light Railway services.

The widespread disruption is thought to have been caused after the London Fire Brigade discovered gas cylinders close to the fire.

Ten fire engines and around 50 firefighters tackled the blaze which started at around 3.30pm.