Passengers on a packed commuter train were forced to flee when they heard several "explosions" and saw a fire flare up alongside the carriage.

The South Western Railway service was travelling between London Waterloo and Hampton Court at around 6.30pm when witnesses reported seeing sparks and smoke.

It pulled into Berrylands station, south-west London, where commuters were told to leave the platform by emergency services.

Dramatic pictures posted on social media show flames shooting up the side of the train's front carriage.

The rail operator said it had come from a "line side fire", prompting cancellations and delays along the line.