Travellers are facing delays this afternoon after a train broke down in North London blocking lines to Hertfordshire and beyond.

A broken down train at Alexandra Palace is causing delays for people using northbound Great Northern and Virgin Trains East Coast services.

A spokesman for Virgin Trains tweeted the disruptions would last till at least 4.30pm.

Customers are being advised to use alternative routes.

A spokesperson wrote on the Great Northern website: “Northbound lines are blocked due to a broken down at Alexandra Palace.

“Customers travelling from Harringay, Hornsey or Alexandra Palace towards Welwyn Garden City are advised to circulate south via Finsbury Park for a northbound train.

“Passengers travelling north to Harringay, Hornsey or Alexandra Palace are advised to use the Hertford service.”