THERE are problems on the rails this morning due to damaged overhead electric wires at Colchester.

All trains running through Colchester Station are affected and may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

Disruption is expected until well into this afternoon.

Greater Anglia says Network Rail engineers are on route to the area.

A limited rail replacement bus has been brought in to transport travellers.

Greater Anglia tickets will be accepted on local buses between Colchester Town and Colchester. 

Specific train service alterations are available here.

Update 9am:

Repairs are not expected to be complete until 3pm this afternoon.

The line is blocked between Colchester and Ipswich and Greater Anglia tickets will be accepted on local buses between Colchester Town and Colchester.

Update 9.50am:

Passengers are being warned to expect delays and disruption until around 4pm this afternoon.

There will be an hourly service from Norwich to Ipswich. Then bus Ipswich to Colchester.

A spokesman for Greater Anglia said: "There is overhead wire damage Ipswich side of Colchester Station, which will need to be repaired.

"The wires carry the electric current to the trains. Whilst this is happening we are unable to run any trains through Colchester, as the electric will need to be turned off for the repairs."

Update 10.25am: 

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “We apologise to passengers who have been affected by delays and cancellations today.

“This is due to damage to the overhead wires between Colchester and Manningtree.

“Network Rail staff are on site, however the work is expected to take several hours.

“A shuttle bus is running between Ipswich and Colchester, where passengers can continue their journey by train.

“Anyone who has been affected by the disruption should claim delay repay at www.greateranglia.co.uk/delayrepay”

Update 12.23pm:

Greater Anglia is now estimating disruption will last until 6pm this evening, spilling into the evening's rush hour.

Network Rail expected the line to reopen at 3pm, however delays and cancellations are still expected.

A spokesman said: "The damage was caused by a tree which had fallen onto the overhead wires. Our engineers are on site now carrying out repairs.

"The line is closed between Colchester and Ipswich while the work takes place and is expected to reopen at 3pm."

Update 12.39pm:

Repairs are not expected to be completed until 5.30pm this evening.

Update 2.10pm:

Greater Anglia says commuters will face disruption until 8pm this evening. 

Update 2.45pm: