Firefighters are battling a huge fire at a business property under the railway arches between London Bridge and Waterloo East stations.

The huge blaze in Union Street, in the London region of Southwark, is so severe that it is generating thick black smoke which has caused chaos on local railway lines.

Rail firm Southeastern tweeted: “Due to a fire next to the track between #WaterlooEast and London Bridge, services across all routes through London Bridge are severely disrupted. Trains are being diverted to other London Terminals or terminated at alternative locations.”

More than 70 firefighters are reportedly on the scene where thick black smoke could be seen pouring into the sky and alarms can be heard going off in the background.

The fire reportedly started around 9.29am this morning according to a statement by London firefighters. They said they had received more than 30 reports about the fire.

A spokesman said: “Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are tackling a fire under the railway arches on Union Street in Southwark.”

Station Commander Wayne Johnson, who is at the scene, said: “The blaze is producing heavy smoke and those living or working in the local area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

“Trains to and from London Bridge are affected and several buildings have been evacuated.”

The brigade’s control room has received more than 33 calls about the blaze.

The Metropolitan Police said they got reports to deal with traffic control some 15 minutes after the first report of the blaze.