Passengers on Greater Anglia trains are facing huge delays – until the end of the day – due to damage to overhead lines in Essex.

https://twitter.com/BTPEssex/status/1008404039833456640

Major disruption has been reported between Colchester and Chelmsford due to damage being reported to overhead line equipment near Kelvedon.

As a result, no trains are currently running in either direction.

Rail replacement buses have been ordered and they were due to arrive at around 7.30pm, however no update has yet been given by the rail operator as to when they will be in operation.

According to the company’s JourneyCheck tool, major disruption is affecting trains travelling to and from Norwich, Stowmarket, Ipswich, Manningtree, Colchester and beyond.

https://twitter.com/greateranglia/status/1008414839306366976

A statement on the Greater Anglia website said: “Damage has been reported to the overhead line equipment near Kelvedon as a result there are currently no trains running between Colchester and Witham.

“Rail replacement buses have been ordered but will not be on site until at least 7.30pm.”

Officers from the Essex branch of the British Transport Police (BTP) have been helping those currently stuck on a stalled train just south of Kelvedon station.

The BTP said in a tweet that they were working alongside Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the East of England Hazardous Area Response Team, Network Rail and the National Police Air Service Helicopter to ensure people’s safety.

Those travelling on the rail network tonight are being advised to take alternative routes listed on their website.

Bosses at both Greater Anglia and Network Rail apologised for the disruption, which follows a week of severe delays due to a track fault at London Liverpool Street.

This current disruption is expected until the end of the day. It is not clear yet if the delays will continue tomorrow.