Fire on tracks causes cancels rail services to Birmingham from Walsall and Lichfield

The blaze was reported near to the train tracks at Aston, Birmingham on Friday morning and is expected to cause disruption until the end of the day.

West Midlands Railway said the fire has impacted services on the Cross City North line, which runs between Lichfield and Birmingham New Street.

It has further caused disruption to services running between Walsall and Birmingham New Street.

The West Midlands Fire Service said the blaze had damaged vegetation and a railway signalling cable.

Rail tickets are currently being accepted on National Express West Midlands buses and Cross Country trains.

West Midlands Railway also said rail replacement buses have been ordered between Four Oaks and Lichfield Trent Valley.

National Rail said passengers can board London Northwestern Railway and Cross Country services running between Birmingham and Stafford to connect with trains to Lichfield Trent Valley.

People can also use their tickets on Cross Country trains between Birmingham and Tamworth.

The West Midlands Fire Service sent crews from Aston and Sheldon to tackle the flames just before 9.15am.

A spokesman said: "This was a fire on an embankment that affected nearby railway equipment.

"Crews worked with National Rail and British Transport Police at the scene, extinguishing the fire with two hose reels after it had spread to the line signalling cable on the railway tracks.

"We remained in attendance until the signalling equipment was isolated.

"Crews left the scene at 11.34am, with Network Rail engineers and British Transport Police in attendance."

A spokesman for British Transport Police confirmed officers were called to the blaze on Friday morning.

A statement read: "Officers were called to Aston railway station at around 9.30am following reports of a lineside fire.

"Officers attended alongside the fire brigade and the fire was extinguished.”