A busy platform this morning at Sydenham by @dannamiller22

TRANSPORT for London workers found part of an Overground train brake on the track leading to an urgent checks and hours of disruption for passengers on Thursday morning.

There was no service between Highbury and Islington to south London and severe delays between Stratford and Richmond and Clapham Junction during rush hour.

This was because a brake caliper – which squeezes the brake to slow the train down – was found on the track near Shoreditch during a routine inspection, Transport for London said.

Trains were seemingly very delayed… (photo by @theresajlowe)

Although TfL couldn’t say how long the 10 – 15cm caliper was missing from the train for, it could be several days as inspections are at least once a week.

The transport authority has launched a full investigation.

A normal service resumed later in the day.

Jonathan Fox, Director of Rail and Sponsored Services at TfL said: “Safety is our top priority and so we have carried out urgent checks on all trains before allowing them to enter service this morning.”