THE RAIL minister said disruption on the rail network was likely to continue "for some time" - as engineers carried out urgent checks on Hitachi Intercity trains. 

Great Western Railway tonight confirmed that the problems were expected to continue into next week.

A spokesman urged people not to travel, saying replacement services were extremely limited and refunds would be offered to those whose journeys were affected. 

Earlier this afternoon, rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris asked operators to deploy extra staff to help passengers complete their journeys and access refunds.

READ MORE: New issue found with Hitachi Intercity trains, Adver understands

He tweeted: "We are working closely with industry to understand, mitigate and resolve issues on these trains as quickly as possible. Disruption is likely to continue for some time to come and I ask passengers to check before they travel."

Mr Heaton-Harris added: "I share the frustration of passengers who are experiencing significant disruption, and would ask people whose journeys are affected to check before travelling."

The disruption follows cracks being found on the chassis of a number of Hitachi class 800 trains. 

Great Western Railway and LNER intercity trains were taken off the rail network on Saturday morning as a precaution, causing headaches for passengers across the country. 

In a new statement, a GWR spokesman said on Saturday evening: "Disruption is expected to continue on Sunday 9 May, and into the following week.  

"Train timetables are presently being worked on and will be published as soon as possible."