GREAT Western Railway (GWR) is warning passengers to travel as early as possible on Friday (January 5) due to significant disruption. 
 
The rail operator says a serious incident near Reading on Thursday night - where police closed the railway for several hours - has left trains and crew in the wrong place for the start of service.
GWR said: "That alongside localised flooding, continues to hamper our ability to run trains."
 
Due to the flooding a significantly reduced level of service is being provided by GWR. The operator said services will be subject to further short-notice cancellations throughout Friday.
Customers are advised to travel as early as possible or consider delaying their journey.

Flooding means the line is closed between Reading and Taunton and Swindon and Bristol Parkway. 

GWR said: "To help customers make their journey, those with tickets for January 4 and January 5 are able to travel up to and including Saturday, January 6."

Services in the Cotswolds continue to operate but could be reduced due to flooding elsewhere.

Anyone affected by delays can claim compensation at gwr.com/delayrepay. 

Customers who purchased tickets but do not travel can claim a full refund or amend their ticket.

Those who travel and are delayed could be entitled to compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more.