Elizabeth line and GWR cancellations from Paddington after trackside fire

Major disruption to services from Paddington has been caused by a trackside fire earlier this morning.

London Fire Brigade was called to an electrical fire at Maidenhead train station at around 7am on Wednesday.

Trains terminating at Reading meant cancellations at Paddington.

Services between Paddington and Reading will be disrupted until the end of the day, according to Great Western Railway (GWR).

Some trains are cancelled and others are delayed, leading to transport problems for thousands leaving London.

A spokesperson said: “Two of four lines have reopened, however, services between Reading and Paddington may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes.”

Services between Hereford and Worcester Shrub Hill, and Marlow and Maidenhead are also experiencing cancellations.

Elizabeth Line services have also been impacted, with no trains between Maidenhead and Reading.

There are severe delays between Hayes & Harlington and Maidenhead.

Network Rail said it was investigating the cause of the fire, but that it was “too early to speculate”.

A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews from Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor fire stations were sent to the scene.

“Upon arrival, crews discovered an electrical fire alongside the railway. Using a dry powder hose reel, firefighters extinguished the fire.”