Angry rail users abandoned their journeys as services ground to a halt in train chaos.

No trains - rail passengers queue for buses Pictures: STEVE ARGENT

Passengers faced huge delays travelling in both directions after a train broke down at Witham early yesterday.

All services travelling to and from London were restricted to one line, causing a backlog and cancellation of services all the way to the coast. Buses were put on to replace trains at Colchester, but many commuters decided to go home instead.

A spokesman from First Great Eastern apologised to passengers for the disruption, calling it a "very bad morning".

"We have been apologising to rail users and those that are due to get compensation will be adequately compensated," he added.

Published Tuesday January 27, 2004

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