Maidenhead track-side fire causes disruption to rail services

The fire near Maidenhead station has been extinguished

A fire next to a main rail line has caused widespread disruption to train services.

Fire crews discovered the electrical blaze beside the track near Maidenhead station in Berkshire at about 07:00 BST.

Network Rail said it was investigating the cause.

It said all services to London Paddington would be disrupted for the rest of the day and into Thursday morning.

The track operator said: "Our teams are working hard to reopen two of the four lines between Reading and Slough, following the reopening of the two main lines earlier."

Cancellations have affected some services between Paddington and destinations including Cheltenham, Hereford, Reading and Swansea, Great Western Railway (GWR) said.

No trains are running between Marlow and Maidenhead via Bourne End, the rail firm added.

It said delays were also affecting services between Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth.

The Elizabeth Line said there were severe delays between Reading and Hayes & Harlington, while Burnham and Taplow stations were closed.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said three crews extinguished the blaze using dry powder.