The London rail network is in chaos this morning after a trespasser on the line and a signal fault blocked several lines in and out of the capital.
A problem with the signalling system between Beaconsfield and West Ruislip is disrupting services running between these stations, impacting trains to Marylebone as well as Banbury and Oxford in the other direction.
Trains here could be delayed by up to an hour or cancelled, and disruption is set to last until 9am, throughout the entire rush hour.
Meanwhile, service is disrupted between Willesden Junction and Clapham Junction due to a trespasser on the line in the Shepherds Bush area.
The line is unable to reopen as early as was expected, National Rail says, with services between Stratford and Clapham Junction, as well as trains to Selhurst and East Croydon, affected by delays and cancellations.
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Crew shortages lead to cancellations between Euston and St Albans Abbey
Disruption is expected between 1.45-3.15pm, with four services already cancelled and the possibility of more cancellations.
It’s affecting trains between London Euston or Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey.
The following trains have already been cancelled:
- 13:45 Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey
- 14:08 St Albans Abbey to Watford Junction
- 14:45 Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey
- 15:08 St Albans Abbey to Watford Junction
Disruption to Southeastern services between Ashford International and London
A signal fault at Lenham has blocked the line towards London in Kent.
Routes between Ashford International and Maidstone East/London Victoria/London Charing Cross, and between Ramsgate/Minster and London Victoria are being disrupted.
A Southeastern spokesperson explained: ‘During overnight inspections, a fault with the signalling system has been discovered at Lenham, which means trains towards London cannot call at the station.
‘Trains towards London via Maidstone East will not call at Lenham station.
‘Services from Ashford International can use an alternative section of track to travel towards Maidstone East.
‘Services towards Ashford are unaffected.’
Reduced service between Bedford and Bletchley this afternoon
There’s a shortage of London Northwestern Railway train crew which will impact services between Bedford and Bletchley between 3.45pm until around 10.30pm.
So far, the services cancelled include:
- 15:47 Bedford to Bletchley
- 17:45 Bletchley to Bedford
- 18:47 Bedford to Bletchley
- 20:45 Bletchley to Bedford
- 21:47 Bedford to Bletchley
Lines reopen after trespasser at Shepherds Bush
National Rail warns that services could still be cancelled or delayed by up to half an hour while things return to normal now that the trespass incident has been dealt with.
The delay in switching the power back on after the trespasser was removed from the track was caused by a fault in the system allowing the power to be reinstated.
Power supply to the electric third rail had to be turned off while the trespasser was still on the line.
Man fighting for his life after ‘road rage’ incident in Bexleyheath
The incident happened at around 5.25am last Tuesday, August 20 and a man was found with a head injury at traffic lights on Erith Road.
He’s still in critical condition in hospital and his family has been informed.
Met officers arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of grievous bodily harm on the same day, and he’s been bailed pending further enquiries.
Police are now appealing for anyone who saw the assault or has dashcam footage.
Detective Constable Katie McGinn said: ‘We believe that the victim sustained his injuries following a traffic incident, and subsequent altercation, involving a man from another vehicle.
‘If you saw any part of this sequence of events, or if you have footage, please do get in touch.’
Southern customer advice after trespasser at Shepherds Bush
Even though the trespasser has now been removed, Southern says the railway hasn’t been able to reopen as soon as expected.
A spokesperson said: ‘This means there will be a number of service changes and cancellations on the Southern route between East Croydon, Clapham Junction and Watford Junction.
‘You will need to use an alternative route. We’d advise allowing at least an extra 30-45 minutes of travel time.’
Tickets will be accepted on the following alternative routes at no extra cost:
- via any reasonable route
- between Clapham Junction and Watford Junction
- between Clapham Junction and London Victoria
- services between London Euston, Harrow & Wealdstone and Watford Junction
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services between:
- London Euston, Harrow & Wealdstone and Watford Junction
- Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey
- services between St Albans City, London St Pancras International, London Blackfriars and East Croydon
- services between London Euston, Willesden Junction, Wembley Central, Harrow & Wealdstone and Watford Junction
Lines reopen after signal fault near West Ruislip
National Rail warns that trains could still be cancelled or delayed by up to 40 minutes while the service recovers. It’s hoped trains will be back on schedule by 9am.
Chiltern Railways routes affected include services between Birmingham Moor Street/Banbury/Bicester North/Oxford/Princes Risborough/High Wycombe and London Marylebone.
Trespasser causes problems in Shepherds Bush
A trespass incident between Watford Junction and Shepherds Bush has disrupted all lines in the area.
All trains have been forced to slow down as it’s no longer safe to run services at full speed once a trespasser has been reported.
Disruptions are expected to last until 10am.
Signalling fault blocks lines through Norwich
Another city is facing problems this morning, after a signal fault blocked all lines through Norwich.
Routes affected include:
- between Norwich and Nottingham/Sheffield/Liverpool Lime Street
- between Norwich and Great Yarmouth/Sheringham/Lowestoft /Stansted Airport/London Liverpool Street
Trains running through this station could be delayed by up to half an hour or cancelled, and the disruption is set to last until 8.30am.
Services are currently unable to run between Norwich and Thetford.
Rail disruption through Cambridge
There has been a points failure at the Cambridge depot which means all Greater Anglia routes through the city are currently disrupted.
National Rail says the disruption is expected to last until 7am – not a great start for commuters.
It warns trains could be cancelled, delayed or revised, and advises people to allow extra time for their journey.
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