Rail services are running at a reduced speed through North Herts after a vehicle struck a bridge near Hitchin railway station.

The crash was reported at about 11.55am. Network Rail, which owns and maintains the bridge, now has staff on scene checking for damage.

A spokesman for Govia Thameslink, which operates the Great Northern line, said: “While this is undertaken a speed restriction of 5mph is in place, which may cause delays of up to five minutes to trains passing through Hitchin and Letchworth.

“We regret that disruption is expected until around 12.45pm, and apologise to customers for any inconvenience.”

Network Rail said at 12.35pm: “Shortly before 12 noon, a Network Rail worker reported that a lorry had struck a rail bridge near Hitchin station.

“Trains ran at a reduced speed over the bridge while Network Rail workers carried out an inspection of the structure. Normal working has now resumed.”