East Coast main line closure: Passengers stranded as overhead electric wire damage shuts rail line

Damaged electric wires mean no electric trains can run

High angle view of passengers in the main hall of King's Cross Train Station, one of Central London's busiest stations (Getty)

Britain’s flagship rail line has come almost to a halt – with travellers urged not to try to travel today.

Damage to the overhead electric wires between Grantham and Newark North Gate means no electric trains can run on a key section of the East Coast main line.

Trains on the link from London King’s Cross to Yorkshire, Newcastle and Scotland have been cancelled or delayed by up to 90 minutes.

The train due in from Leeds to King’s Cross at 4.01pm arrived 45 minutes late. The next four trains on the route were all cancelled.

One train from London to Newcastle is operating 85 minutes late, and another to York is 90 minutes behind schedule.

LNER, the main operator on the line, is advising passengers not to travel today.

“Trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to 90 minutes,” the train operator said.

“Some diesel trains will be able to divert via Gainsborough. Please allow for an extended journey time if you are on one of these trains.

“Customers with tickets dated today, Tuesday 23 July may use their tickets tomorrow, Wednesday 24 July.

“Customers who do decide to travel today can use tickets for cancelled services on the train before or after the service specified in the original booking.”

Passengers between London and Scotland can use the West Coast main line between London Euston and Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Travellers to Leeds can use East Midlands Trains from London St Pancras via Sheffield.

Rush hour: peak services from London to York (National Rail)

Tickets will also be valid on TransPennine Express, Northern and CrossCountry for reasonable diversions.

In addition, buses have been commissioned to run between Doncaster and Peterborough.