Passengers have been stuck on a busy commuter train from Norwich to London for more than three hours.

The 7.40am Greater Anglia service from Norwich to London broke down at Forest Gate at 9.25am, around the same time it was due to arrive into Liverpool Street Station. But more than three-and-a-half hours later passengers are still stranded on-board.

Julie Bremner, a founder and trustee of Norwich Pride, who is one of those stuck on-board said: "We're still on the train, four hours [after it stopped] and I'm flagging a little bit."

Ms Bremner said the whole situation had become "a bit surreal": "You can't really do anything because you're waiting to get off the train.

"They have thanked us for our patience and, you know what can you do? It's one of the new trains and there are questions to be asked about that and what we need to know is why hasn't their contingency plan worked because they sent a rescue train and it didn't work...that's what leads to frustration.

"I think they need to be held to account because people pay a lot of money for the trains," she said.

A spokesperson for Greater Anglia said the train had come to a stand still just outside central London at 9.25am and confirmed initial efforts to rescue the broken down train had not worked.

See also: What has gone wrong with Greater Anglia's new trains?

They said: "We sent another train to try and rescue it, but it did not work so now we're trying to bring another train alongside."

They were unable to confirm how many people were on-board the train.

The broken down train is causing major disruption to a number of lines leading into London.

Greater Anglia's journey check website is warning passengers: "Due to a broken down train between Forest Gate and Stratford some lines towards Stratford are disrupted.

"Train services running through these stations may be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until further notice.

Customer Advice:

Services approaching Stratford are being delayed, the 07:40 Norwich to Liverpool Street has come to a stand due to a train fault.

One out of the two lines towards Stratford is currently blocked, Greater Anglia services are being diverted on to another line around the faulty train.

All services using the main line into Liverpool Street are subject to delays, cancellations and alterations. This is to reduce the amount of trains into Liverpool Street due to the line being blocked.

For the latest travel information visit the journey check website.