Plastic on the overhead wires caused problems for train users this lunchtime as services were altered.
The Shenfield-bound Metro services were not calling at Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath.
The trains were diverted onto the fast line to bypass the problem for around 20 minutes around midday.
Greater Anglia advised those who wished to use the stations during that time to use local buses or travel to Romford and return on the London-bound service, which was not affected.
Passengers on the 11:20 London Liverpool Street to Shenfield service were kept at a standstill while Network Rail engineers removed the plastic.
Further plastic on the wire near Romford meant trains were running fast from Ilford to Gidea Park between 12.45 and 1pm.
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