No travel warning after freight train derails

A travel ban warning was issued after a freight train derailed on a key route between England and Scotland.

There are route cancellations and delays due to the incident on the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and Oxenholme Lake District on Wednesday evening, National Rail Enquiries added.

Some routes are closed and train traffic on the routes that are still open is severely restricted.

Rail operators Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express issued a travel warning and asked passengers not to use their services for journeys between Preston and Scotland on Thursday.

Ticket holders can postpone trips to Friday or travel with other operators.

Kara Wood, acting strategy director for Network Rail’s North West route, said: “We are sorry for the passengers affected by the derailment.

“We have specialised repair teams on site who are working as quickly as possible to make the railway safe.

“Disruption is expected for the rest of the day, so we urge people to plan their journeys and check with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries before travelling.”