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Denmark Hill station shut after fire underneath train

A fire under a train has forced the closure of a railway station in London.

Denmark Hill Station in south London was shut after flames were spotted underneath a Southeastern train travelling from Victoria to Dartford.

A spokesman said the driver took the decision to evacuate the train as it approached Denmark Hill Station, at about 18:45 GMT.

It is the second fire involving a Southeastern train in 10 days. The firm said it was investigating.

Passengers filmed sparks visible above the track from inside their carriages on the train.

Cosmin Suttu, who was on board, said: "I saw big flames from the train window. When the train stopped at Denmark Hill station I saw more flames. Everyone got out of the train and ran out of the station."

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Passengers witnessed sparks as the train pulled in to Denmark Hill Station

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Commuter Colin Standfield said he saw people rushing away from the platform and assumed they were running for a train. However, he then said he saw two or three blasts of flames shoot out from underneath the train as it stood at the platform.

A spokesman for Southeastern said: "The driver took the decision to evacuate the train and the station was also evacuated as a precautionary measure. The cause is currently being investigated."

He confirmed the fire was underneath the train. He added it was hoped the station would be opened for the start of service on Thursday. Trains continue to pass through the station but are not stopping.

On 23 November, Charing Cross Station had to be closed for about two hours because of a fire. The Southeastern spokesman said that incident was due to a track fire.