Lines reopened: delays between London St Pancras International and Luton expected until 18:30 

Route(s) affected

East Midlands Railway between London St Pancras International and Corby / Nottingham / Sheffield

Thameslink between Brighton / East Grinstead / Three Bridges / Gatwick Airport and Bedford, between Sutton and St Albans City, between Orpington and Luton, and also between Plumstead and Luton

Description

Following a trespass incident between West Hampstead Thameslink and St Albans City, lines have now reopened. Trains running between London St Pancras International and Luton may still be delayed by up to 30 minutes as service recovers.

Disruption is expected until 18:30.

East Midlands Railway customer advice:

How does this affect my train?

At present trains are expected to be delayed by up to 30 minutes in each direction.

How do I get where I need to be?

You should continue to travel as originally planned however your journey may be delayed by 30 minutes.

Thameslink customer advice:

Trains are now starting to run through the Cricklewood area.

If you are already on a train or looking to travel, your journey may take longer than usual as trains are having to run at a reduced speed. Please allow at least an extra 10 minutes additional time.

For the latest information, please check station boards or the online journey planners.

Ticket Acceptance:

You can still use your existing ticket on the additional services at no additional cost:

• Southern services between London and Bletchley via any reasonable route. You can then travel between Bletchley and Bedford

• Thameslink and Great Northern services on routes between London and Bedford

• London Underground through and around London, as well as on the Northern line to High Barnet and Edgware

• London Buses between London St Pancras International and Elstree & Borehamwood

Planning your journey:

You can see live departure boards, and you can also view a live map of the network.

You can also see the alternative route guide.

If you're travelling in the London area, you can plan journeys on alternative routes by using the TfL Journey Planner. You can also use the app to find up-to-date information.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

A trespass incident was reported in the Cricklewood area.

When trespassing is reported, trains in the area slow down or stop for safety. Emergency services and Network Rail have now removed the person from the tracks.

Trespassing on the railway is extremely dangerous. Trains run at all times, and you may not see or hear them until it's too late. Many areas also have a high-voltage third rail, steep drops, and other hazards.

It’s also illegal, with serious penalties for obstructing the railway.

Check before you travel:

You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.

Compensation:

You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.