Rail passengers are facing “significant” disruption across the network as a number of high-speed trains undergo precautionary checks after cracks were found.

Great Western Railway (GWR), Hull Trains, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and TransPennine Express (TPE) trains of the Hitachi 800 model were taken out of service for “safety checks as a precautionary measure” on Saturday morning.

Major disruptions continue at Reading train station and passengers are asked to plan ahead and check before travelling.

Train services between London Paddington, Reading and Bedwyn have been cancelled and a shuttle train service will operate between Newbury and Bedwyn. 

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National Rail said the scheduled service between Reading and Newbury will provide a connection for customers travelling between Reading and Newbury. 

Train services are also affected between London Paddington - Reading - Swindon - Gloucester - Cheltenham Spa.

Trains from London Paddington, Reading and Worcester will operate differently using alternative carriages.

All of the direct train services between London Paddington and Plymouth / Penzance which travel through Reading have been withdrawn.

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And an hourly shuttle service will operate between Newport (South Wales) and Reading calling at Bristol Parkway, Swindon and Didcot Parkway.

Hitachi Rail has apologised for the disruption caused by “cracks on the lifting points under the carriage of some class 800 trains” which were spotted during routine checks, and that by Saturday evening “some trains” had been cleared to run as normal.

A Hitachi Rail spokesperson said: “Safety is our number one priority and as a precaution, the decision was taken to halt the entry into service of our intercity fleets pending inspection.

“We understand the frustration caused and we would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers and operators.

“Having been cleared for service, some trains are now running again across the network.”