Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from one of the UK’s busiest railway stations today as armed police headed to the scene following a suspected gas leak. 

British Transport Police officers were called to Farringdon in central London at 9.42am this morning after a ‘small number of passengers’ reported feeling unwell.

Police were working at the station alongside London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade, and the wider area was evacuated while investigations were conducted. 

National Rail confirmed Farringdon would shut until at least midday with no trains stopping at the station while the emergency services deal with the incident.

Transport for London said the Elizabeth line was suspended between Paddington and Abbey Wood, with severe delays between Paddington, Reading and Heathrow.

Passengers outside Farringdon station in Central London during the Tube strike last week

Farringdon, Britain’s eighth busiest station, is a key intersection in central London where the Elizabeth line, three Underground lines and Thameslink trains connect.

Thameslink confirmed no trains will run between London St Pancras International and Blackfriars, which are located north and south of Farringdon, ‘until further notice’.

A BTP spokesman said: ‘Officers were called to Farringdon station at 9.42am today following reports of a suspected gas leak in the station, with a small number of passengers reporting feeling unwell.

‘Officers are in attendance, alongside the ambulance service and the fire brigade, and the station has been evacuated while enquiries are conducted.

More to follow