Commuters on London Underground are likely to face weeks of disruption following Saturday's derailment in central London.

The accident at Chancery Lane has led to all 85 trains on one of the network's busiest lines being withdrawn for safety checks.

The scene has to be cleared up and then the area checked for damage caused by the derailing train.

Most of the Central Line may be running again by Tuesday but three stations will remain closed.

Travel disruption

Shuttle buses between Epping, Hainault and Stratford Express bus Epping to Chingford during peak Tube tickets can be used on London buses and main line trains No Waterloo and City Line

The Central Line runs through the West End's main shopping area in Oxford Street and through the City, the financial district.

It is 46 miles (74 kilometres) long and carries an average of 500,000 passengers a day.

London Underground said shuttle buses would be laid on from Epping and Hainault to Stratford.

But it expects most passengers to find alternative routes, leading to increased pressure on other Tube lines and bus routes.

Platform repairs

Even if the rest of the line opens on Tuesday, three stations, Chancery Lane, St Paul's and Bank, will be out of use for some time.

Inspectors have to check that asbestos in the tunnel lining, which is normally contained and safe, has not been disturbed.

Then police will have to collect belongings left on the train and platform before repairs can start on the platform.

London Underground hopes to move the train from the tunnel by Monday, using a battery-operated train.