Essex train passengers told do not travel to London

The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 10, has caused delays and reduced services on routes connecting Essex and London through Stratford, with serious knock-on effects for Greater Anglia, the Elizabeth line, and London Overground.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "The fire has been put out and Network Rail engineers are working as quickly as possible to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore the signalling systems back to normal."

Greater Anglia has advised passengers not to travel until later today, warning of reduced and altered services.

Thousands were affected last night and into this morning as a result (Image: LFB)

The disruption is expected to last until 6am Monday morning, July 13, with trains expected to be much busier than usual.

Passengers travelling between Norwich and London are advised journeys could take up to three hours and to consider alternative routes via Stansted Airport or Cambridge.

Greater Anglia said customers can use their tickets on CrossCountry between Stansted Airport and Ely, East Midlands Railway between Ely and Norwich, Great Northern between London Kings Cross and Ely, and on reasonable London Underground routes.

Bush fire in Stratford pic.twitter.com/MycJeHouRJ

— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) July 10, 2026

Alternative routes include travelling from Norwich to London via Stansted Airport, taking the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, or travelling via Cambridge.

Passengers heading from London to Norwich are advised to take the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street and change at Stansted Airport for onward services.

London Overground services are also affected, with part suspensions and severe delays reported between Willesden Junction and Clapham Junction on the Mildmay line.

Passengers are able to use their tickets on any reasonable London bus route.

The Elizabeth line resumed running through Stratford, though some cancellations and delays continue.

Network Rail confirmed that the fire had been extinguished and that teams were working as quickly as possible to restore full service.

With hot weather continuing, passengers are reminded by Greater Anglia to stay hydrated, using water fountains at 23 stations and at London Liverpool Street.

Passengers are advised not to board trains if feeling unwell and to notify staff for assistance.

Advance ticket holders are permitted to travel on earlier or later services if their original train was cancelled.

Passengers experiencing delays are encouraged to keep their tickets and note details of their journey to support compensation claims.