Blaze hits Tube service

Thousands of commuters were facing major disruption on the Tube today after a fire near the Central line affected services.

The blaze ripped through a car repair shop yards from the track in east London after cylinders containing toxic gases burst into flames yesterday afternoon.

As Tube workers repaired the line near South Woodford station, the Central line was due to remain closed between Leytonstone and Loughton until 2pm.

Police believe the blaze began after canisters containing noxious gases blew up. The fire raged for several hours.

Firefighters said the building was empty at the time, although two people nearby had to be rescued. They were uninjured.