Freight train derailment causes major delays

The freight train derailed just before 17:00 BST on Wednesday, blocking the line

A freight train has derailed in Cumbria causing major delays on the rail network.

The train derailed between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District just before 17:00 BST, blocking the line.

Avanti West Coast services between Preston and Glasgow/Edinburgh have been cancelled for the remainder of Wednesday.

It has advised passengers not to travel north of Preston.

Avanti said the line was blocked south of Carlisle, and it had brought in rail replacement coaches.

TransPennine Express services between Manchester Airport and Carlisle/Edinburgh and between Liverpool Lime Street/Preston and Glasgow Central have also been affected.

TransPennine said response staff are being sent to the scene.

Passengers at Carlisle station are among those impacted by the delays

Avanti said customers with tickets dated for Wednesday can use them at any time on Thursday on the same route.

Avanti said LNER and TransPennine Express were accepting affected passengers via any reasonable route.

National Rail said replacement bus services have "been requested".