Floods hit northern rail services

National Express say the problems are likely to continue overnight

Rail services on the East Coast Mainline between north-east England and Scotland were cancelled on Thursday evening because of flooding.

Trains were terminating at Newcastle, and passengers were urged not to use the route.

Heavy rainfall south of Edinburgh caused the disruption, with services not due to resume until Friday.

Trains south of Newcastle were running, but were subject to delays, said operator National Express.

Speaking on Thursday afternoon, a spokesman said: "There is flooding at several locations including Penmanshiel, Innerwick and Torness, all between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Dunbar.

"Additionally there is flooding in Edinburgh between Waverley and Haymarket stations in the city centre.

"We don't expect a normal service to resume until at least tomorrow morning, and passengers planning to travel north of Newcastle should postpone their journeys."

On Thursday evening, Northumbria Police urged passengers travelling to Scotland to avoid Newcastle railway station unless absolutely necessary because of the risk of congestion.

Operator CrossCountry, which also crosses the border on the East Coast Mainline, also suspended services.

Tickets from both companies were being accepted on Virgin Trains' services between London Euston and Glasgow Central, via the North West coast.