THE INTERCITY train fault that is causing widespread problems on the rail network today is different to the issue identified by safety inspectors last month, the Adver understands.

The Rail Safety and Standards Board issued an urgent report in April after cracks were discovered on the yaw damper bolster of a Great Western Railway class 800 intercity carriage. The trains, built by Hitachi, came into service on the west coast mainline in 2017.

Today, all class 800s have been pulled from the rail network for what GWR described as precautionary checks.

The Adver understands that the fault affecting services today is different to that reported last month, with new cracks identified on the frame of the train.

GWR said that nine trains had already been cleared to return to service, with more expected to be given the green light throughout the day.

Train companies have urged passengers not to travel today.

This morning, Hitachi Rail apologised to passengers. The company tweeted: “Some Class 800s have been taken out of passenger service as a precautionary measure to allow for thorough investigations. We are working with partners to resolve this issue as quickly & safely as possible. We would like to offer our sincerest apologies to passengers impacted.”

Rail Union RMT's General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "RMT is fully aware of the issues that have led to the cancellation of services on LNER today and that similar problems with cracks appearing in the fleet on Great Western are also emerging.

"Hitachi needs to ensure the highest safety standards and properly investigate and rectify the issues.”