The rail operator announced at 7.45am, during the morning rush hours, that the problem should increase journey times by up to 20 minutes.

Shortly after 8am, train services between Diamond Hill and City One were completely suspended, with the MTR advising commuters to take other transport.

Crowds of commuters across the city had to wait inside or outside train stations because of the delay. The delay also forced passengers to seek other transport - mainly public buses - which in turn led to packed vehicles and longer-than-usual waiting times along the train routes.

Train services gradually resumed at 8.42am.