A raging blaze has erupted on an industrial estate in West Berkshire, causing all trains in the area to be suspended due to an exclusion zone.

Fire engines rushed to the blaze at Colthrop Business Park, near Thatcham, just after 7.30pm on Monday. 

Dramatic videos appeared to show raging flames inside the waste management centre, with billowing plumes of smoke covering the sky.

One local said he heard 'popping' and 'thought some idiot had let off fireworks', while suggesting the cause could be lithium batteries.

Another said the 'fumes are very strong' while one local similarly thought it was a 'firework' as it was 'very loud'.

Emergency services were still at the scene as of 10.30pm and locals have been asked to avoid the area, with reports of 'explosions' being heard and a 'horrible' smell coming from the blaze.

Residents have also been told to close any windows and remain indoors.

One concerned parent even said they had taken their children from their home to stay with their grandparents to avoid what they feared was 'unhealthy' smoke from a battery fire. 

The 'concerning' fire has caused nearby Thatcham train station to close, with Network Rail establishing a 150-metre exclusion zone surrounding the inferno.

One resident said they heard the 'bangs' from nearly two miles away, while another said it was audible two and a half miles away at Newbury Racecourse. 

All train services between Reading and Bedwyn were suspended and a very limited train service is said to be operating on the since reopened line.

Trains have been using alternative routes where possible and a rail replacement service has been offered to passengers.

Services are expected to operate as usual by tomorrow morning, although commuters have been advised to check availability ahead of travelling. 

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service wrote on their social media: 'We have received a large number of calls to an incident on Colthrop Lane in Thatcham. 

'Please be assured that we are aware and currently have crews on the scene. Further information will be provided as soon as possible.'

Great Western Railway told the Daily Mail: 'A fire near the railway has affected train services between Reading and Bedwyn this evening with the fire service imposing an exclusion zone for safety reasons. 

'While the line has now reopened only a very limited train service will be able to operate along the affected route. 

'Trains will continue to operate on a diversionary route where possible and a rail replacement service is also in operation to ensure customers can still reach their destination this evening.

'A full train service will operate as normal tomorrow (Tuesday 29 September) but customers are advised to check before travelling.'

Local MP Lee Dillon said: 'Many of you will have seen the concerning footage of a fire in Thatcham.

'The fire is currently active at the Colthrop Business Park, with reports that it is located at a waste management centre.

'Fire and rescue services are on site and working hard to bring the fire under control. 

'Network Rail has informed me that there is currently a 150-metre exclusion zone around the blaze, meaning train services through the area are currently suspended.

'Further updates will be provided as the situation develops, and I will share them here as soon as I receive them.

'If you are in the area, please stay indoors and keep your windows and doors closed.'

Many locals were quick to speculate online that a battery caused the fire.

There were fires this summer in waste centres in Deptford, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Glasgow and Southwark caused by batteries.