TFL have apologised after a burst water main caused disruption to the Central line on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

The burst Thames Water main in the Bow area resulted in services being suspended between Bethnal Green and Leytonstone for nearly 36 hours. Commuters felt the effects over two rush hours as delays continued.

"This suspension resulted in delays along the entire line. Our staff worked throughout the night to remove two million gallons of flood water and ensure that the tunnel, signalling, power and communications equipment were repaired" said a TFL spokesmen in an email.

The breach in a 24" diameter fresh water supply pipe was the size of three parking bays, and is thought to have been caused by works for Crossrail, the capitals new west-east railway line.

This left an 800 metre stretch of track under between 4 and 5 feet of water, and completely destroyed an electrical substation.

Central line services have now re-started between Bethnal Green and Leytonstone.