Violent overnight thunderstorms battered London with thousands of lightning strikes and flash floods, following an unseasonably warm tropical night.

Train services linking London Paddington with Heathrow Airport and Reading resumed normal operations following a major trackside grass fire.

Rail services are returning to normal following severe disruption caused by a trackside grass fire near London Paddington that affected routes to Heathrow.

Emergency services have elevated the wildfire threat level in London to extreme as sustained high temperatures and dry conditions persist. Authorities have issued urgent safety warnings regarding barbecue use and water safety as the heatwave continues.

London is experiencing its third heatwave of the year, triggering an amber health alert and causing significant strain on transport and emergency services.

Severe thunderstorms swept across London, submerging transport hubs such as Heathrow Airport and triggering lightning strikes that ignited homes.