Train bosses have apologised to passengers following widespread disruption to services yesterday evening.

C2c has confirmed the delays were caused after a train coming from Southend had struck someone on the tracks between Barking and Upminster, near London, at around 4pm.

Emergency services attended the incident and the train was eventually removed from the scene by 6pm.

However, delays and cancellations continued throughout the evening.

A c2c spokesman said: “Once the line reopened, there was significant disruption for several hours as both trains and their drivers were out-of-place.

"We ran as many services as possible to help customers get home.

“In total 96 trains were cancelled, part-cancelled or delayed as a result of this incident.

“We are very sorry for the disruption caused to your journey.

"As with all significant incidents affecting c2c, a full internal review will be undertaken to identify improvements we can make to our service during future disruption.”

C2c said it made a number of arrangements for passengers affected, including providing shuttle train services between Grays and Upminster via Ockendon, and between Pitsea and Upminster via Basildon.

It said is also arranged for c2c tickets to be accepted on Greater Anglia services, relevant London Overground and London Underground routes.

Some cancellations or delays were made due to “limited capacity” on trains that were part of a diversion route.

C2c has also confirmed there were some delays at Laindon yesterday evening due to an incident attended by the fire service.

It said on Twitter smoke had been seen coming from underneath carriages due to brakes locking up.

Any affected by yesterday’s delays can submit a compensation form via c2c’s website.