Train tracks on a bridge in Battersea burst into flames early this morning as temperatures continue to rise during the heatwave.

Network Rail has said that a wooden beam on the bridge caught fire as the beams were very dry because of the lack of rain.

Train services had to be suspended between Victoria and Brixton.

The fire first started at 4am and was extinguished by 6am.

Lines to and from the station were blocked until 8.45am after an inspection of the bridge.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Further repairs will take place as a walkway was damaged in the blaze.

Network Rail explains on their website that the hot weather can be a challenge, as it can affect the rails, overhead power lines and the ground which the track sits on.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We were called to a fire on a bridge in Battersea around 0430 this morning, where a wooden beam was alight.

“We closed the lines on the bridge while the fire was being tackled by our friends at London Fire Brigade, and it was put out by 0600.

“We were able to reopen two of the three tracks on the bridge by around 0630 and all three were open by 0845, following a thorough inspection of the bridge.

“We’ll need to do some repair work, notably to a walkway that was damaged in the blaze, and we’re working on a plan for doing that as we speak.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

South Eastern Railway and London Fire Brigade have been approached for comment.