One commuter wrote on Twitter: “Slightly concerning to hear the ‘inspector sands’ message being broadcast at Fenchurch St…” The alarm is understood to have been sounded at 11am.

“Inspector Sands” is a code word used in some public spaces to indicate a fire and is also used for emergency drills.

Traditionally the codeword was used to inform staff of an emergency incident without causing panic among the public.

The emergency evacuation follows rush hour disruption at the station this morning, which sparked delays until 9.30am.

National Rail tweeted this morning: “Disruption to and from London Fenchurch Street via Upminster expected until 09:30.”

C2C, the operator which runs Fenchurch Street station, has apologised to those caught up in this morning’s delays, telling commuters they can claim compensation.

Anyone whose journey was delayed by more than 15 minutes can claim via the company’s Delay Repay Scheme.

Commuters across the country have experienced travel chaos today after Storm Dennis struck at the weekend, causing havoc.

Services to and from London Kings Cross and Moorgate are experiencing delays until 3pm.

Great Western Railway, Northern, ScotRail, Transport for Wales and West Midlands Railway are all also experiencing delays.

High winds and heavy rain caused by the storm has led to flooding and a number of fallen tree branches on train lines.

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