2,000 are stranded on Tube

More than 2,000 Tube commuters were stranded in sweltering temperatures on two trains today.

Thousands more were delayed with trains backed up at stations along the Central line.

London Underground took water and blankets to St Paul's station to help passengers when the two trains eventually reached the station. Ambulances were on stand-by but not needed. A London Underground spokeswoman said three people were offered medical attention after feeling faint.

The trouble began when a packed westbound Central line train carrying more than 1,000 people developed a fault and came to a stop between Bank and St Paul's stations at 8.15am - the height of the morning peak period.

A second train was brought behind to push the stranded service into St Paul's. But this delicate manoeuvre took time and it was not until 9.25 that all the passengers were evacuated onto the platforms.