Network Rail is urging residents to keep garden objects tied down and away from the railway, after a flying gazebo caused sixty trains to be delayed or cancelled on Friday.

The gazebo was reported to be blocking the line between Upper Holloway and Crouch Hill stations at around 0945 and trains had to be stopped while it was recovered by a Network Rail response unit.

Passengers on London Overground trains running between Gospel Oak and Barking experienced disruption for around three hours. Freight trains were also affected. In total, the incident caused fifteen full train cancellations, eight part cancellations and delays to 37 trains.

Network Rail is asking people who live or work near the railway to be aware of items that could find their way onto the tracks at any time, but particularly during high winds, when trampolines, tents, gazebos and tarpaulin can all be blown away. Similar warnings have been issued during previous episodes of strong winds.

Juwad Nasir, Head of Network Delivery at Network Rail Anglia, said: “We worked hard to get the railway running again as soon as possible, but unfortunately there was still a big impact on London Overground passengers.

“I’d ask all our neighbours to tie down anything on their properties that could get onto the tracks. Thank you for helping us keep passengers and freight moving safely and reliably”.