Rail passengers have been urged not to travel between Shenfield and London Liverpool Street following the theft of signalling cables near a major railway junction in Essex. The incident, which occurred in the Shenfield area, has caused a “loss of signalling” and blocked several lines, severely disrupting services on Sunday.

Greater Anglia said the disruption has affected trains to and from London Liverpool Street, including services from Norwich, Ipswich, Clacton-on-Sea, and Southend-on-Sea. A spokesperson for the operator said it was not yet known when the lines might reopen, with Network Rail and British Transport Police teams sent to the area to investigate and carry out repairs.

The Elizabeth line has also been affected, with trains between Stratford and Shenfield suspended and only a limited service operating from Colchester and Southend. Passengers with delayed journeys are being advised they can claim compensation for delays of more than 15 minutes, and that Sunday tickets will be accepted on Monday instead.

Shenfield serves as a major junction on the Great Eastern Main Line and is a key connection point for both Greater Anglia and Elizabeth line services. The operator said it was working closely with Network Rail to restore services as soon as possible and apologised to customers for the disruption caused.

Image: Network Rail