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No trains are running in either direction between Paddington and Heathrow, the Heathrow Express said

A fire near a train line in the London Paddington area has caused major disruption for travellers this evening, with services to Heathrow Airport cancelled entirely.

The fire is said to have caused an electricity supply failure which has left all lines between Paddington and the airport blocked, according to National Rail.

Cancellations and delays to services are expected into this evening, the network added.

Photos posted on social media show large plumes of smoke rising from the Paddington area and into the skyline, with the blaze reportedly spreading across grassland.

Great Western Railway (GWR) services to Reading have also been cancelled, while the Elizabeth line part-suspended.

No trains are running in either direction between Paddington and Heathrow, the Heathrow Express said.

The airport advised passengers to leave extra time for their journeys, adding that the Piccadilly line, which runs services to the airport, is also experiencing delays.

Transport for London (TfL) said the Elizabeth line is suspended between Paddington and Heathrow terminals four and five, and between Paddington and Reading, while the line to Abbey Wood is experiencing severe delays.

There are also severe delays across the entire Piccadilly line due to an earlier trespasser at Hammersmith, according to the TfL website.

GWR said trains may be cancelled, delayed or terminated at and started back from Reading, with disruption expected until 7pm.

London Fire Brigade said six fire engines and around 40 crew members are tackling the blaze near Scrubs Lane, North Kensington.

Crews from Hammersmith, Paddington, Ealing and surrounding fire stations have been sent to the scene, a spokesman confirmed.

Images from Paddington Station show populated crowds of service users stuck at the station as their journeys face disruption.