Two London railway lines are out of action after fire breaks out – destroying cars and a caravan

Dozens of firefighters are battling a massive blaze that has left two rail lines out of service in east London.

Video footage posted on social media shows dark smoke billowing into the air due to a severe fire near Hackney Downs Station on Sunday evening.

Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters mobilized from stations in east London to fight a fire that broke out at a residential building called Cottrill Gardens at around 18:00.

London Fire Brigade said part of a grass embankment was also set on fire, along with a static caravan and two cars.

The incident forced Transport for London to suspend two rail lines passing through Hackney ‘while they responded to reports of a fire’.

Serious delays were reported on the Mildmay Line; With no service between Stratford and Gospel Oak, the Weaver Line was completely out of service.

Holidaymakers wishing to fly from Stanstead Airport may also be affected, as all lines of the Stansted Express from Liverpool have been disrupted. Passengers are warned that their journeys may be cancelled, postponed or revised.

Network Rail staff and firefighters will remain at the scene this evening. It is not yet known what caused the fire.

Video footage posted on social media shows thick smoke billowing into the air as a massive fire broke out near Hackney Downs Station on Sunday evening.

The statement made by the London Fire Brigade includes the following statements: ‘Eight fire trucks and approximately 60 firefighters are responding to the fire in Cottrill Gardens in Hackney.

‘A fixed caravan and two cars are on fire, as well as part of the grass embankment.

‘Control Officers received the first of more than 20 calls at 6pm and mobilized crews from Homerton, Leyton, Whitechapel and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

‘The cause of the fire is not yet known.’