LATE-NIGHT journeys on the tube will need a detour as a major stretch of the Northern line began shutting early on weekday evenings.

From Monday, the Bank branch began closing at 10pm, with services winding down from about 9.30pm. Transport for London said the suspension of the service is so it can carry out essential track replacement work.

The early finishes will run Monday to Thursday until late May and impact King’s Cross St Pancras, Angel, Old Street and Moorgate.

TfL said the disruption is unavoidable but insists the plan will speed up long-overdue maintenance while avoiding months of full weekend closures later in the year.

To help manage demand, the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line is running extra trains during the affected hours and continues to operate normally.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening services are unaffected, with trains running as usual.

Passengers are being urged to plan ahead, use alternative routes and check live updates before setting off.