Trains delayed by cable collapse

Scotrail said the train was towed by a diesel locomotive to Preston

Train services have been affected after electrical problems on the West Coast Main Line.

A Scotrail service with 170 passengers on board was stuck on the line, which connects London with Scotland via Cumbria and Lancashire, for more than three hours.

The problem struck after overhead cables collapsed at about 0430 BST on Friday.

The train, which left Inverness at 2040 BST on Thursday had to stop between four and five miles south of Lancaster.

A spokeswoman for ScotRail explained that because the overhead lines had collapsed all power had to be switched off, leaving the sleeper train passengers stranded.

She added: "A diesel locomotive was sent to the area and the sleeper was pulled to Preston.

Extensive damage

"From there the 170 passengers will complete their journey to London on a special coach service."

The train had been scheduled to reach London Euston at 0650 BST on Friday, but the delays will mean it is likely to be at least four hours late in its arrival.

Network Rail said there was extensive damage to the overhead electric cables.

A company spokesman for the company added that it would take some time to repair the lines and only one stretch of track was operational.

This means that passengers travelling south from Cumbria should expect delays.

Virgin Trains said it was running a normal service north of Carlisle and south of Preston.

All other stations will be served by a coach.