Commuters have voiced their frustration after they were forced to cram onto packed trains - with major concerns raised over a lack of social distancing. 

Train provider c2c will be running a reduced timetable "until further notice."

The train company is operating a reduced service from this morning and has stated that the timetable "reflects the reduced demand".

Halstead Gazette:

But this morning commuters say trains were rammed full with some not wearing masks.

One worker said: "New timetable and all trains stopping at Barking, this is the result, no social distancing, all piled on at Upminster and barking, it wasn't like this a few weeks back, I am reporting this, why should we have to travel this way, no staff and no police.

"I now have to change my travel time again to accommodate this. Why? Oh and there were non mask wearers, dare I say it."

A c2c spokesman said: "We are reducing the frequency of off-peak and late-night services more heavily, as these trains now have the lowest customer demand. However these will be 8-carriage services, to maximise the space available onboard.

"We remain committed to providing you with a dependable service you can rely on. Throughout 2020 we have made timetable adjustments, as both staff availability and passenger demand has fluctuated.

"We will continue monitoring passenger numbers closely in the coming weeks, and will make further changes where necessary and possible."

c2c was contacted for further comment.