RAIL passengers have been advised to check their journeys before travelling on South Western Railway (SWR) services to London Waterloo tomorrow morning.

This follows a lineside fire, which damaged cables and closed eight platforms, at Waterloo railway station earlier today.

Thousands of passengers were caught up in delays and cancellations, which rail bosses said were likely to carry on into tomorrow morning.

A SWR spokesman said: "We are very sorry for the disruption South Western Railway passengers are experiencing.

"A lineside fire this morning caused significant damage to some of the rail infrastructure in the Waterloo area, fully closing platforms 16 – 24.

"Trains will be delayed or cancelled until the end of service today and disruption is likely to impact services tomorrow morning.

“Passengers are strongly advised to check their journeys before travelling at www.southwesternrailway.com for ticket acceptance and service details.”