SERIOUS delays on the c2c line yesterday were caused by the death of a driver.

The train driver was taken ill at Barking at about 9pm however, despite the best efforts of British Transport Police and paramedics, he is understood to have died.

As a result of the disruption, the 10.25pm service from Shoebury to Liverpool Street was cancelled, along with the 10.57pm from Liverpool Street to Shoebury, and the 12.21am Barking to Shoebury. The 8.45pm Liverpool Street to Shoebury, 10.20pm Barking to Shoebury, 11.26pm Shoebury to Liverpool Street, 12.23am Liverpool Street to Shoebury, and 12.53am Liverpool Street to Shoebury services were delayed.

A number of services also had amended stops as a result of the disruption, and an extra service between Barking and Southend Central was put on at 10.35pm.

c2c delivery director Kevin Frazeer said: "The thoughts of all the driver's colleagues and friends at c2c are with his family at this difficult time.

"Thank you to all our passengers for their understanding last night while we helped support the ambulance service and British Transport Police in their efforts."

This morning the British Transport Police (@BTPEssex) tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the c2c rail driver who sadly passed away yesterday evening."