TO add to the region's transport problems caused by the closure of the QEII bridge, though it may be opened later this evening following the arrest of protesters, trains in the area ground to a halt following a signal failure at Grays.

Problems began just before 5pmtoday (Tuesday, 18 October).

Passengers have been stuck on trains and busses have been deployed to replace rail services from Upminster to Pitsea via Rainham and from Ockendon to Grays.

The problem has been caused by a fault with the signalling system at Grays and the line is blocked.

A statement from train operator c2c says: "Train services running across the whole c2c network may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Please check your journey details via this link. "