Rail passengers faced delays and cancellations because a broken-down freight train blocked lines between Norwich and London.

Rail operator Greater Anglia had urged passengers to postpone their journeys this morning (Wednesday, February 26), because the problem meant lines between Ipswich and Colchester had been blocked.

However, by 8.20am the lines had re-opened, after a specialist team moved the train, which had become defective just north of Colchester station on the Colchester bound line.

It had meant Greater Anglia were unable to run trains Colchester and Ipswich until the line reopened, with a limited service will operate between Ipswich and Norwich in both directions.

Cancelled services included the 5.30am, 6.24am and 7.05am from Norwich to London Liverpool Street. The 9.30am from Liverpool Street to Norwich was also axed.

A string of other services between Norwich and London were also disrupted. Services from Norwich to London were being terminated at Ipswich, while those travelling from the capital to Norwich are being terminated at Colchester.

Passengers heading to London from Norwich were advised they could travel via Cambridge and Ely.