London station evacuated after 'number of passengers complained of feeling ill'

An investigation is under way after a major London train station was closed after reports of a "suspected gas leak".

Farringdon railway station was evacuated after a "small number" of passengers complained of feeling ill on Thursday morning.

British Transport Police (BTP) and paramedics were called to the scene along with firefighters, who attended "a report of a smell of chemicals".

A spokesperson from London Ambulance Service said: "We treated 14 patients in total. We took two people to hospital and discharged the others at the scene."

A spokesperson for BTP said: "Officers were called to Farringdon station at 9.42am today (30 April) following reports of a suspected gas leak in the station, with a small number of passengers reporting feeling unwell."

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it sent "two fire engines, two fire rescue units and specialist officers" to the scene after "a report of a smell of chemicals on an Elizabeth Line platform at Farringdon Station".

In a statement posted on X, LFB added: "Crews attended and carried out a sweep of the area to check for no elevated readings of any chemical substances. No elevated readings were detected."

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National Rail said Thameslink services are likely to be "severely disrupted", while Elizabeth line trains have also been operating with delays according to Transport for London (TfL).

Thameslink services are expected to face "major disruption" until 5pm and passengers have been warned to allow extra time as "you may need to use an alternative route for at least part of your journey".

Tickets can be used on alternative London Underground, rail and bus services.

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