POWER has been restored to the c2c line following a morning of delays.

Major electrical problems brought half the c2c network to a standstill shortly after 7am today.

Trains could only run between Upminster and Tilbury Town with many trains stranded at Fenchurch Street until 9am.

As power was restored trains slowly started moving again but delays hit passengers again when a trespasser was found between Basildon and Pitsea station.

Julian Drury, managing director of c2c, said: “I am really sorry about the dreadful journey you will have experienced, if you were able to travel at all.

“This happened because Network Rail's power supply station at West Ham failed, leaving us with no power to run any trains between Upminster and Fenchurch Street, nor anywhere west of Tilbury Town.

“Things were further complicated when the police had to remove an intoxicated trespasser from the tracks near Pitsea.

“Network Rail are now providing us with power from an alternative supply station, so we are able to run trains across the whole c2c route again.

“This means we should be able to operate a normal train service this afternoon and in the evening peak.

“Once again, I'm really sorry for the delays. If you were delayed by 30 minutes or more, you'll be able to claim money back through our Delay Repay process on the c2c website.”

Trains are now able to run over all routes but Greater Anglia are accepting c2c tickets until the close of service for passengers returning home.

Details of any further cancellations or delays can be found here: www.journeycheck.com/c2c.