Rail passengers travelling between Wiltshire and London are facing major disruption this morning after a person was struck by a train.
All railway lines between London Paddington and Reading have been blocked while emergency services deal with the incident today (Monday).
The incident is affecting Great Western Railway services running between Wiltshire and the capital, with trains cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes.
Disruption is currently expected to continue until at least 10am.
GWR said: “A person has been struck by a train, leading to all lines being blocked. It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop.”
The operator confirmed that no services are currently able to run between Reading and London until further notice.
Passengers can use a number of alternative routes at no extra charge, including South Western Railway services between Reading and London Waterloo.
Tickets are also being accepted on South Western Railway routes via Basingstoke, Guildford and Woking, as well as between London Waterloo and Windsor and Eton Riverside.
Passengers can also travel with Chiltern Railways between Oxford and London Marylebone, or use reasonable routes on the London Underground and Elizabeth line.
CrossCountry services between Bristol Temple Meads and Birmingham New Street, and between Cardiff Central and Worcestershire Parkway, are also accepting affected passengers.
Avanti West Coast services between Birmingham New Street and London Euston can be used, although GWR warned this would add considerable time and should only be considered where there is no suitable alternative.
GWR said replacement transport was being requested, although separate information in its disruption notice stated buses, coaches or taxis had not been requested at that time.
Passengers whose trains are cancelled can use either of the two services before or two services after their booked train at no additional cost.
Travellers are also being advised to consider postponing their journeys until services return to normal.
Anyone affected by the incident who needs emotional support can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time.
