Two London fires disrupt rail services, close Forest Hill station

Two large fires in London on the same day forced station closures and widespread travel disruption, with no reported injuries as firefighters worked to bring blazes under control. Early on Thursday morning a commercial unit beneath a railway arch near Rhodeswell Road in Mile End was alight, prompting the suspension of services into Fenchurch Street station, and later in the evening a separate inferno at a shop on Perry Vale in Forest Hill led to the temporary closure of Forest Hill station and significant road disruption.

The Mile End fire was first reported at 03:53, the London Fire Brigade said. An extension building of two floors attached to a railway arch, described by responders as being used as a car workshop and office space, was alight on both floors. Eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters from Poplar, Millwall, Shadwell and surrounding stations attended. Crews had the blaze under control by 05:49, and firefighters remained at the scene into the morning to extinguish remaining pockets of fire. The cause is under investigation and there were no reports of injuries.

Train operator c2c said services between West Ham High Level and Limehouse were suspended as a...