Rail services between East Anglia and London were seriously delayed on Thursday morning after a train broke down at Marks Tey, just south of Colchester.

The 7.40am train to London broke down in the station, blocking one of the two lines.

That meant trains heading in both directions had to use a single line between Marks Tey and Colchester. Services were delayed by up to 30 minutes.

A rescue diesel engine had to be called to pull the stricken train back to Colchester – but that operation was not expected to be completed until late morning.

Abellio Greater Anglia hoped services would return to normal by lunchtime. Passengers were left frustrated. One traveller, Joseph Spear who took this picture tweeted: “On way again at 0950. Never mind Norwich in 90. This TOC can’t even do Ipswich in 90.”