Cable theft causes disruption on rail line

Cable was stolen from the rail lines between Shenfield and Brentwood in Essex

Signalling cables have been stolen from near a major railway junction for a second consecutive weekend, causing disruption for passengers.

Greater Anglia said the theft in the area of Shenfield, Essex, had resulted in "a loss of signalling", blocking lines.

It advised passengers not to travel between Shenfield in Essex and London Liverpool Street, but train services had returned by mid-morning.

The closure affected services to the London station from Norwich, Ipswich, Clacton-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea.

The Elizabeth line between Stratford and Shenfield was also disrupted.

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said Network Rail engineers had made temporary repairs, so passengers could travel through Shenfield.

They can also claim compensation for any delays more than 15 minutes, the spokesperson added.

Shenfield is a major junction for many services, including trains using the Great Eastern Main Line.