Tube hit by track defect

Tube services are being badly hit today because of a broken rail on one of the busiest sections of the network.

Severe delays will continue during this evening's peak period.

Engineers have clamped the rail together but trains have been ordered to a 5mph crawl when passing over the damaged section.

London Underground says it will not be able to repair the rail until the power is turned off after services finish running in the early hours tomorrow.

The break was discovered this morning during a routine track inspection near Euston Square station. All Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan line services are affected.

The discovery of the break came hours before union leaders meet LU to highlight safety concerns across the network.

The RMT, largest of the Tube unions, has ordered its drivers to obey a 25mph go-slow on Tuesday and Wednesday in protest at LU's refusal to reinstate 24-hour track inspections.