Charing Cross: Southeastern commuters face rush-hour 'nightmare' Published duration 4 February

image copyright @MFCRicky image caption Morning commuters struggled to get on to overcrowded services after trains were cancelled

Rail passengers are being warned to expect further disruption to train services in and out of London this evening.

Trains into Charing Cross and Waterloo East were suspended this morning after a track defect was found at New Cross.

Trains to Charing Cross have resumed but speed restrictions mean only half the usual trains will run per hour.

Southeastern Trains said: "Disruption is expected until the end of the day."

Some services have been diverted to London Victoria or London Cannon Street.

image caption Commuters waited on crowded platforms at London Bridge during the morning rush-hour

Images of busy platforms and people struggling to fit into overcrowded carriages were shared on social media, as passengers battled the morning commute.

Posting on Twitter, Network Rail explained: "We're working on a plan to run trains around the problem but it's not a normal rail, so it's not an easy fix...

"One track crosses over another... we have to cut it out and replace it with a new part."

However, the explanation did not satisfy all those trying to use the service.

Responding to Network Rail's post, Twitter user Nick Cook said: "Se—Railway this what we're confronted with. National disgrace."

image caption The track defect at New Cross has had a major impact on services using Charing Cross in London

Freelance designer Ellie, 39, asked: "Wondering how such a big crack in the line could suddenly appear networkrail. Surely you work on preventing these sorts of things to appear?"

Other passengers caught up in the disruption have also spoken of their frustration and "nightmare" levels of overcrowding on alternative routes.

Thameslink services were also affected earlier between Bedford, Luton and Rainham and London Bridge.