Station evacuated after London tube train catches fire

A National Rail spokesman said that the station was evacuated at 10.50am following reports of a fire in the vicinity of a train on platform six.

Just running away from Charing Cross station #fire #danger pic.twitter.com/EHG0xbfXOR

— vincenzo minore (@vincenzo_minore) November 23, 2014

Passengers were told to expect disruptions until 1.30pm.

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "We were called at 10.55am to reports of a fire on a train at Charing Cross.

"We sent a duty manager to the scene and two patients were checked over, but nobody was taken to hospital.

"Our involvement in the incident has now concluded."

A statement posted on National Rail's website said: "A fire at London Charing Cross is causing disruption to journeys between London Charing Cross / London Blackfriars and London Bridge.

"Because of congestion caused by trains being diverted, Thameslink trains will not call at stations between London Blackfriars and East Croydon.

"Trains are currently unable to run to and from London Charing Cross. Some services will be diverted to start / terminate at London Victoria or London Bridge.

"There is no firm estimate yet of how long disruption will last but it is likely to continue until at least 1.30pm.

"Passengers travelling further south than Orpington please travel from London Victoria.

"Passengers travelling towards Dartford and Hayes please travel from London Bridge."

London Fire Brigade said about 5% of the front carriage was alight.

#CharingCross station has been evacuated following a small fire on train. About 5% of a front carriage was alight.

— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) November 23, 2014

Pictures and videos posted on social media showed the flames and passengers fleeing the station.

Several fire engines and London Ambulance Service vehicles could be seen outside the busy station by Trafalgar Square.