Damage to overhead wires blocks rail services

While repairs are carried out National Rail expects disruption until the end of the day

Damage to overheard wires has blocked some rail lines travelling into London.

National Rail said damage to overhead wires at Radlett, Hertfordshire, has been affecting East Midlands Railway and Thameslink trains running between Bedford and London St Pancras International with services cancelled, delayed or revised.

Customers using Thameslink services have been advised that a reduced timetable is running between St Albans and Sutton, with no direct services between Luton and Rainham and Bedford and East Grinstead.

National Rail said the work is expected to last for most of the day as repairs to the line take place.

National Rail said the damage was to a section of track between Radlett and Elstree and Borehamwood which has stopped the line between Radlett and Kentish Town.

While all trains could only use one line, alterations to the services were expected.

East Midlands Railway said there is a reduced line into the capital with trains running hourly and has advised customers to continue to travel and use alternative routes.

National Rail added the incident was also disrupting trains on the Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Corby and London St Pancras International routes.

All lines on the Great Northern Route have now reopened between Stevenage and Hitchin after an earlier incident in which someone died.

Thameslink said "major disruption" was still expected between Peterborough, Cambridge and London until 13:00 on Friday.

"Work is ongoing to return to the scheduled timetable, but please continue to check journey planners and station information boards before you travel," it said.