NETWORK Rail has apologised after passengers had to endure delays of more than four hours.

Damaged overhead electricity cables were blamed for the disruption on Monday, February 25 which saw lines blocked between Leeds and Shipley - causing major problems for passengers on the Wharfedale line.

Commuters like Jonathan Kirkland, from Otley, had boarded a Northern train at Menston at 7.20am for a commute that would normally take under 20 minutes.

Instead, Mr Kirkland and his fellow passengers - many of whom were standing - were stranded for hours after their train came to a stop between Kirkstall and Armley.

They were left without working toilets or air conditioning, as there was no power.

Mr Kirkland, who ended up having to write off Monday for work and has applied for compensation, said: “I never got to Leeds. After about four hours we were pulled to Bradford Forster Square by a non-electric train.

“We stopped at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge but there was no replacement bus services from these stations.” He eventually reached Bradford Forster Square at 12.16pm.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re sorry for the disruption passengers travelling on the route between Shipley and Leeds have faced. This was caused by damage to the overhead lines which power the trains.

“Engineers have now resolved the issue. However, it will take some time for train services to return to normal, so passengers are still advised to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.”

A Northern spokesperson added: “We apologise for any customer disrupted by the overhead line coming down.

“We worked with Network Rail to get the stranded passengers off the trains as soon as possible and put in place a bus replacement service.”