Trains cancelled and delayed as thieves try to steal cables

People trying to use train services from Essex into London are facing severe delays due to an alleged attempted theft of signalling cables. The incident is causing disruption across both the Elizabeth Line and Greater Anglia services into the capital. According to traffic monitoring site INRIX, vandalism at Harold Wood is causing delays of up to 45 minutes and some cancellations on Greater Anglia trains between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield.

There is also no service on the Elizabeth Line between Gidea Park and Shenfield. A spokesperson for Greater Anglia tweeted: “Due to attempted theft of signalling cables, services running through #HaroldWood are are having to run at a reduced speed, to ensure the safety of trains & passengers. This reduced speed is leading to congestion, causing delays, some alterations to services and cancellations.

“Greater Anglia tickets are being accepted on Elizabeth Line services between Shenfield and Liverpool Street and on C2C services between Fenchurch Street and Southend Central.” Network Rail added: “Elizabeth line customers can use their ticket at no extra cost, on the following services: Greater Anglia between Shenfield and London Liverpool Street, London Underground, London Buses, Local Buses between Shenfield and Gidea Park.” The Transport for London status updates page for the Elizabeth Line says: “No service between Gidea Park and Shenfield while we fix equipment damaged by vandalism.

London Underground are accepting tickets via any reasonable route. GOOD SERVICE on the rest of the line.” A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to the line in Romford at 6.32am on 27 April following a report of cable theft .

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

Transport for London, who run the Elizabeth Line, have been approached for further information.

References

1. ^ Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman found dead in Chelmsford home (www.essexlive.news)