Services to Shenfield, Southend Victoria and Chelmsford were affected by the fault, which left only one line open instead of two.

Trains through Romford, Gideo Park and Harold Wood were affected and stopped calling at some stations.

Delays of up to 15 minutes were also reported.

A spokesman for operator Greater Anglia said lines were expected to reopen at 3.30pm.

He added: “A Thunderbird rescue locomotive is now arriving at Shenfield to move the defective freight train and it is expected all lines will be open from Gidea Park to Shenfield by 15:30.

“We thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we deal with the defective freight train.”

Delays in this morning’s rush our were caused by a false alarm and on Monday a bird was allegedly responsible for switching off power to trains.

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Thunderbird to the rescue of broken down train causing delays between Romford and Shenfield‘Bird switched off train line power between Manor Park and Romford’