A train pulling into the platform at Hackney Downs station
A broken rail was found at Hackney Downs station (Picture: Sinai Noor/REX/Shutterstock)

A broken railway line in London is likely to wreak havoc all day, National Rail has warned.

Stansted Express, Overground and Greater Anglia trains running through Hackney Downs could be cancelled or diverted after the broken track in east London.

Trains between Liverpool Street and Seven Sisters, Cheshunt and Chingford are likely to be hampered until the end of the day.

The issue was discovered overnight, and the ‘extent of the damage meant that the repair work could not be completed in time for the start of service today,’ a National Rail spokesperson explained.

Meanwhile, there are severe delays on the Elizabeth line between Paddington and Heathrow Terminals or Reading after a points failure at Southall.


  • 42m ago


    Full list of routes affected by Hackney Downs broken rail


    • Latest London Underground status updates

    • Elizabeth line: Severe delays between Paddington and Heathrow Terminals/Reading while Network Rail fix a points failure at Southall. Good service on the rest of the line. Tickets are being accepted on local bus services.
    • London Overground: No service between Hackney Downs and Chingford, and severe delays between Liverpool Street/Cheshunt and Enfield Town while we fix a track fault at Hackney Downs. Good service on all other routes.
    • Piccadilly line: Minor delays between Hyde Park Corner and Cockfosters eastbound only while we fix a track fault at Piccadilly Circus. Good service on the rest of the line.
    • District line: Minor delays between Wimbledon and Edgware Road while Network Rail fix a signal failure at East Putney. Good service on the rest of the line.

    Full list of routes affected by Hackney Downs broken rail

    • Greater Anglia between London Liverpool Street and Hertford East/Stansted Airport/Cambridge/Cambridge North/Ely
    • London Overground between London Liverpool Street and Enfield Town/Cheshunt/Chingford
    • Stansted Express between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport

    National Rail statement on broken rail in full

    ‘A broken rail was found at Hackney Downs overnight last night.

    ‘The extent of the damage meant that the repair work could not be completed in time for the start of service today.

    ‘An altered service plan will operate today.

    ‘Network Rail staff will be attending the site of the broken rail at the end of service, and will work to carry out the necessary repairs overnight tonight.’


    MORE : This ‘unspoiled’ beach has been named more relaxing than the Algarve


    MORE : M6 closed after lorry falls off bridge and crashes into ground below


    MORE : Anyone caught drink driving may have to do this one thing every time they start their car