ALL trains heading into London Liverpool Street are being delayed by up to 40 minutes, due to a defective track.

The problem has occured between Stratford and Liverpool Street, and means that trains are running at a reduced speed between the two stations.

However, services leaving Liverpool Street towards Southend Victoria are not affected.

A Greater Anglia spokesman says disruption is likely to continue until the end of the day.

He said: "Due to a speed restriction over defective track between Stratford and Liverpool Street trains have to run at reduced speed on some lines towards Liverpool Street.

"Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled, delayed by up to 40 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

"As a result of this speed restriction, services towards Liverpool Street from Stratford are subject to delay and some trains may be cancelled, or revised to manage the congestion through the affected section of track.

"From 11am, Network Rail engineers will be carrying out temporary repair works on the affected section of track that will allow a higher linespeed to be restored and reduce the delays that heavily impacted the morning peak service today.

"Underground services are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Greater Anglia rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.

"C2C are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Greater Anglia rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys."