'Massive flashes' as electrical fault at Dorchester delays South West Trains

An electrical fault caused sparks to fly, blocked rail lines and disrupted South West Trains services.

The rail firm said the issues were due to electrical supply problems at Dorchester South station in Dorset.

BBC South digital editor Dan Kerins, who was on a train when the problems began at about 18:15 GMT, said: "There was a small spark on the track and, as the train ran over it, it was like a flare had gone off.

"Massive flashes of light lit up the whole train. One of the carriages was filled with smoke for a time."

Some onlookers, including David Crane, took to Twitter describing "very bright flashes and lots of emergency services".

No one was injured but police, the fire service and ambulance crews have attended the scene.