Hours of disruption expected on West Midlands trains today - here are alternatives accepting tickets

National Rail said trains must run at reduced speeds between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton until damaged cables in the Sandwell and Dudley area are repaired.

A statement said: "Attempted theft of signalling cables between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton means that trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.

"Additionally, a points failure between these stations means that trains will run non-stop between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.

"Trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or diverted.

"Disruption is expected until the end of the day."

West Midlands Railway first reported an issue at around 6am on Friday.

It said fewer trains were able to run between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton and advised that there could be cancellations or delays of up to 20 minutes.

The line between the two stations has closed and is expected to remain this way until 3.30pm.

The rail company advised that services will terminate at Wolverhampton or take a "longer diversionary route".

West Midlands Railway told passengers that rail tickets are being accepted on metro and bus services in the meantime.

A statement on its website read: "Please use the live departures and arrivals or National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to see your journey options.

"Midland Metro are accepting passengers between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton in both directions until further notice.

"National Express West Midlands are accepting passengers via any reasonable route until further notice."

A spokesperson for the rail company added: "Due to damaged cables, services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham were subject to disruption today. The line reopened at 4pm but services will remain delayed and alterations may occur until the end of the day."