Train derails near Watford station causing major disruption

A spokesman for London Midland said: “There is a train derailment at Watford Junction – it is the 6.19 service from Milton Keynes to London Euston”.

Good morning and welcome to our live updates service as rail passengers face major problems on the West Coast Main Line.

Radio reporter Sarah Lowther, who was on the derailed train, said two trains were “kissing each other” in a tunnel.

Speaking to Morning Money radio, she said: “The trees were taken down from the side of the rail line a year ago”.

“Everyone is looking after each other with water and sugar but we’re anxious about our driver”.

British Transport Police said officers were called to reports of a landslide at the Hunton Bridge Tunnel near Watford and were now working with fire and ambulance services at the scene.

Virgin Trains customers are advised they can use their tickets on “all reasonable routes” provided by operators Chiltern Railways, East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express and Arriva Trains Wales between Birmingham International and Shrewsbury, Crewe or North Wales.

It is understood that the incident is due to flooding, as widespread disruption hit travel links through Surrey and Greater London.

And South West Trains has said that flood damage meant services running from Woking station would be disrupted all day.