Emergency services at the scene of a helicopter crash in central London. Photo: Sarah Grun/PA Wire

The helicopter crash in Vauxhall this morning led to disruption on London’s transport network during morning rush-hour.

The aircraft struck a crane on a tower block in Wandsworth Road before crashing into a street near Vauxhall station.

Gridlock was reported in the area and Vauxhall tube station was closed.

The A202 in Vauxhall was immediately closed southbound between Vauxhall Cross and the A3212 at Millbank junction.

And as traffic built, the A3036 Wandsworth Road in Vauxhall was closed in both directions between Vauxhall Cross and the Lansdowne Way junction.

Other congested stretches of road were the A202 Harleyford Road from A203 South Lambeth Road and the A203 South Lambeth Road.

South West Trains reported that Vauxhall mainline station had been closed. Trains were running through the station but not picking up or dropping off passengers.

The First Capital Connect train company warned its passengers to expect travel difficulties in the Vauxhall area, although its services were not affected.

People took to Twitter to report gridlocked traffic in the area, with emergency services struggling to get through.

Transport for London (TfL) said buses in the Vauxhall area were subject to diversion and delays due to the incident. People were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

A spokesman for TfL said: “Following a helicopter crash in the Vauxhall area, there are several road closures and a number of bus routes in the area are on diversion.

“Road users are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. Vauxhall Tube station is currently closed at police request and Victoria line services are not stopping at the station.

“All other Tube services are unaffected and are accepting bus tickets.

“We are working closely with the emergency services, who are responding to the incident.”