Oxford Circus Station evacuated after smoke reports

SMOKE has forced the evacuation of one o the busiest tube stations in London during the morning rush hour.

In this photo provided by Joe Bunting, commuters cover their mouths as smoke fills the carriage of a Bakerloo line train, near Oxford Circus in London. Picture: Joe Bunting/AP

SMOKE has forced the evacuation of one the busiest tube stations in central London during the morning rush hour.

Pictures on social media show grey smoke billowing out of the carriage on the Bakerloo line while passengers stand on the Oxford Circus platform covering their mouths and noses.

It is not being treated as suspicious.

Other photographs show people standing in dark, smoke-filled carriages covering their faces with items of clothing.

Witnesses reported smelling “burnt plastic” and described it as “terrifying.”

Oxford Circus station services London’s busiest shopping street and sees thousands of commuters pass through it during the rush hour.

London Fire Brigade said it was called to the scene at 8.50am local time and that three fire engines had been sent.

Avoid Bakerloo Line/Oxford Circus, @bakerlooline train appears to be on fire pic.twitter.com/2Dvcd0XX71

— Tom Singer (@tomsinger) August 11, 2017

Fire on the bakerloo line Oxford circus today - great Friday start pic.twitter.com/SVtZxWClDi

— Joe Bunting (@jnzbunting) August 11, 2017

Tom Singer, who was at Oxford Circus station at the time, told the BBC it appeared as if just one carriage had the problem and also saw smoke coming from underneath the Tube train.

The smoke that led to Oxford Circus tube station being evacuatedhttps://t.co/V718ZgDunb pic.twitter.com/lFfNXcAyIF

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) August 11, 2017

Emergency services responding to fire at Oxford Circus #London pic.twitter.com/cOpCdg044I

— Megan Wetherill (@halfwayfull6) August 11, 2017

A spokesman for Transport for London said: “Oxford Circus is currently closed and cleared of people.

“All trains that run to Oxford Circus station are currently not stopping at the station. The station is closed because of a fire alert.” British police say the incident isn’t being treated as suspicious. “We continue to work with @LondonFire at Oxford Circus. Station remains closed. Cause of fire not currently being treated as suspicious,” British Transport Police said in a tweet.

We continue to work with @LondonFire at Oxford Circus. Station remains closed.

Cause of fire not currently being treated as suspicious @TfL pic.twitter.com/juIxywGOMF

— BTP (@BTP) August 11, 2017

Commuters were initially panicked after reports emerged that smoke was seen at a platform level.

No injuries have been reported so far.

Bit of a panic heading to work this morning! Fire and evacuation at Oxford Circus station! Lots of confusion! Heart racing! #oxfordcircus

— Rosalyn Trotter (@StudioRosalyn) August 11, 2017

Lots of first responders at Oxford Circus tube station this morning. Fire on the bakerloo one. Hope everyone is fine. #oxfordcircus @TfL pic.twitter.com/OnroRH3lm6

— Morgane HF (@morganeheyne) August 11, 2017

- with staff writers