ALL fleets of Hitachi Intercity Express trains have been withdrawn after ‘hairline cracks’ were reported.

The mass withdrawal has meant that GWR, LNER and Hull Trains intercity services have been cancelled today while Hitachi checks the units. Passengers are being advised not to travel today on these routes.

GWR said: ‘This problem is being investigated by Hitachi and once trains have been checked, we hope to be able to release them back into service as soon as possible. 

“This will affect a significant number of today’s Intercity services and local lines are also likely to be extremely busy. Customers are advised not to travel.’