Major disruption to train services between Manchester and London after gas leak - latest updates

There is big disruption to trains running between Manchester and London this afternoon after a gas leak. The lineside leak between London Euston and Watford Junctions this morning saw all lines blocked and trains unable to depart from and travel into Euston station.

Avanti West Coast which operates the direct services between London and Manchester, say the line has now re-opened.

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However delays and last-minute cancellations are set to continue until at least 6:30pm this evening as the timetable recovers, the company has warned.

Tickets are being accepted by other firms routes with Avanti asking passengers travel via alternative routes.

We will bring you updates on this as we get them in our live blog below

According to Avanti:

The Avanti website says:

Following a gas leak near the railway between London Euston and Watford Junction all lines have now reopened.

Impact:

Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed by up to 60 minutes. Disruption is expected until 18:30 08/08.

Customers travelling to London Euston are advised to travel via alternative routes.

Ticket acceptance has been agreed with the following operators:ChilternEMRLNERCross CountryGWRTPE

The first trrain to be cancelled due to the incident was the 11:13am departure from Euston to Piccadilly.

Trains were stopped and 25 properties near the site of the leak on Forward Drive in Harrow, near Harrow and Wealdstone station, were evacuated.

The London Fire Brigade said local residents were being advised to stay indoors, keeping doors and windows closed while they got the leak under control.

National Rail then informed passengers at 1pm that