RAIL passengers trying to travel between York and London are experiencing major delays this afternoon.

Network Rail has said it doesn’t know when a normal service will be resumed.

York-based train operator has advised passengers not to travel today.

It said: “Whilst ticket holders may use the alternative route via East Midlands Trains to/from St Pancras, these services will be overcrowded, so we strongly advise passengers not to travel today.”

It said Grand Central Passengers who do not travel today may use their tickets for travel on Sunday or Monday.

Damage to overhead wires is causing disruption in the Tallington area between Grantham and Peterborough, affecting all trains using the East Coast Main Line, which includes York services run by East Coast and Grand Central.

A statement issued by Network Rail said: “There is no current estimate for when a normal service will resume.

“There is no replacement road transport available at this time. Passengers are advised to use alternative routes where possible.”

Passengers can travel to Yorkshire on trains leaving from London St Pancras for services to Nottingham and Sheffield and for connections to Grantham, Retford and Doncaster.

Virgin Trains, First TransPennine Express, Northern Rail and CrossCountry are accepting passengers affected by the disruption on any reasonable alternative routes, it said, while East Midlands Trains, East Coast and First Hull Trains already have mutual ticket acceptance agreements.