Thousands of commuters faced lengthy delays and a station had to be closed yesterday after a rail power line was brought down.

A passenger train is thought to have ripped down cables at 10pm on Monday. The rail chaos was expected to continue until lunchtime at least.

GER said Chelmsford station had to be shut several times during the morning rush to protect passengers as only one line was working on the Chelmsford to Witham line instead of two.

A spokesman said: "It would have been dangerous for people coming in and waiting on the platforms. We have had a service this morning but it has been very patchy.

"We did try to locate buses but it has been very difficult at this time in the morning as they are contracted out."

Railtrack staff worked through the night to try to mend the cable.

Anglia Railways had to cancel three peak Norwich-London services which led to crowding on other trains.

David Bigg, chairman of Witham and Braintree Rail Users Association, called for a second rail link to the capital.

He said: "It is now a matter of urgency that a second route is constructed by linking Braintree to Stansted Airport to provide an alternative."

Damage to the cables was repaired by 11am.

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