Overnight theft of rail equipment has caused disruption on the railways between Stockton and Newcastle this morning (Saturday, December 23). 

Grand Central line between London Kings Cross and Sunderland, and the Northern line between Nunthorpe and Hexham, have both been affected. 

National Rail has advised that following this theft incident, a points failure, and a fire aboard a train between Stockton and Sunderland, cancellations are expected until 10 am, with residual delays of up to 50 minutes. 

Railway passengers have the trainlines in the North East to a halt this morning as many set off to do last minute Christmas shopping. 

National Rail has advised  that lines are now back open following the trio of incidents, though delays are expected as services return to normal. 

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Northern has said that passengers may use their tickets on other services: 

  • CrossCountry services between Darlington and Newcastle
  • LNER between Darlington and Newcastle
  • TransPennine Express between Darlington and Newcastle