Eurostar passengers warned not to travel as line hit by severe delays and cancellations

French media reported that 600 metres of copper cables were stolen overnight near Lille.

Eurostar said this is forcing it to run services on alternative routes, causing extended journey times.

Its services were already disrupted because many trains and staff members were out of position after two fatalities on rail lines in France on Tuesday.

Eurostar posted an update today to say trains are likely to be severely delayed and cancelled at the last minute.

“Due to a cable theft near Lille Europe, our trains are likely to be subject to severe delays and last-minute cancellations. We advise you to cancel or postpone your trip.”

The operator said it is handing out water to passengers onboard delayed trains, and has teams at stations to provide assistance.

Affected passengers are able to change their travel plans free of charge, or request a full refund.

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Eurostar said in a statement: "We are deeply sorry to confirm that there were two separate fatalities on the LGV Nord high-speed line between Lille and Paris yesterday.

"Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives.

"The line was closed for much of the afternoon and evening, resulting in significant disruption to Eurostar services, including cancellations on routes to and from Paris.

"Trains on the London-Brussels-Amsterdam route continued to run with delays.

"This morning, disruption continues due to the knock-on impact of displaced trains and crew.

"Further to this, services have been further affected by an incident of cable theft on the same line near Lille."