HEAVY flooding has cancelled a number of trains between Southend and London.

Downpours have flooded the Greater Anglia line at Manor Park, cancelling a raft of services between Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street until at least 10pm.

Many Londoners were woken by thunder and lightning last night but sudden heavy showers this afternoon let to flash floods across East London.

As a result, the 7.35pm from Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria was started from Shenfield instead because of the flooding while the 6.20pm Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street terminated at Shenfield.

Later trains, including the 6.25pm, 7.15pm and 7.55pm to Southend and the 6.30pm to Liverpool Street have been cancelled outright.

Train services between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria may be cancelled or delayed by up to 80 mins at short notice. Disruption is expected until 22:00 19/09.

Greater Anglia has advised customers to allow for extended journey times in both directions of up to 80 minutes and not to travel unless necessary.

Greater Anglia tickets are being accepted on c2c services from Southend Central, Upminster via Barking and West Ham to London Fenchurch Street.

Restrictions have also been lifted on advance tickets, meaning commuters are able to travel earlier or later than the time specified on their ticket, if necessary.

A Greater Anglia spokesman said refunds were also being accepted.

He said: “We thank you for your patience and understanding whilst Network Rail Engineers resolve this problem.

“We would like to make you aware of our delay repay policy which can be found on the Abellio Greater Anglia website: http://www.abelliogreateranglia.co.uk/about-us/our-performance/delay-repay"