DOZENS of trains have been cancelled in south Essex due to a broken rail in Southend.

c2c rail has cancelled nearly 30 trains between Shoebury and London today due to a broken rail at Southend Central Railway Station.

The first train to be cancelled was the 10.42am service from Southend to London Fenchurch Street.

At present, all trains have been cancelled from Southend to London up to 3.30pm this afternoon.

c2c rail has said disruption is happening across its entire network and some services would be rearranged.

A train shuttle service will run between Southend and Shoebury, with Ockendon services starting and ending at Pitsea.

Update 4.30pm: The line has now reopened but c2c said some services may still be delayed or rearranged.