Thousands of commuters faced huge delays after a fire closed one of the busiest rail routes in the country.

About 20 fire crews dealt with a trackside incident in a clothing warehouse in New Cross, south-east London, which broke out at about 0600 GMT on Wednesday.

The building backs on to the main line from London to Kent and the track was closed as a precaution.

During the morning peak period no trains ran into London Bridge, Cannon Street or Charing Cross stations - affecting thousands making their journey into work.

The rail lines have partly reopened

Most Kent services and other services from East Sussex were affected.

Some trains were diverted to Victoria Station to avoid delays to commuters.

London Transport Buses, London Underground and the Docklands Light Railway accepted ticket holders in the area.

London Bridge station later reopened and began accepting trains from Hastings and Tonbridge.

Trains diverted

All Connex services to and from Charing Cross and London Bridge are still facing disruption with delays and short-notice alterations.

Some trains are being diverted via Lewisham in south-east London where there is a connection to the Docklands Light Railway system.

The line between London Bridge and Greenwich is likely to remain closed for the rest of the day

A spokeswoman for London Fire Brigade said nobody was thought to have been injured in the incident.