THRONGS of people have crowded Reading Station following the derailment of an empty train outside Paddington earlier this evening. 

All trains to Paddington Station in West Central London have been cancelled. 

Commuters met with revellers coming back from Ascot on platforms five and six as station officials channelled the several hundred strong crowd past one another. 

Although no official statement has yet been made, a Reading Station worker suggested trains would likely not be running until Friday afternoon. 

Network Rail says the empty train ran a red signal, triggering the automatic derailment.

No one was hurt in the incident.

A BTP spokesman said: “We are currently at Paddington station following the partial derailment of an empty passenger train outside the station, shortly before 6.15pm.

“BTP is in attendance alongside colleagues from London Fire Brigade and Network Rail.

“Officers are investigating the circumstances of the incident, which has also been reported to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.”

Those wanting to get to London are currently being advised to take the slow train to Waterloo.