Firefighters tackle train blaze

Firefighters used a hoist to rescue some passengers

Fire crews had to help 15 passengers and staff to safety after a train caught fire on its way into north Belfast.

The blaze, which started in the engine compartment on Thursday evening, was quickly put out by six fire crews.

Passengers had to use ladders to dismount from the train and climb a steep bank onto the nearby motorway at Greencastle.

One family had to be taken off the train by hoist.

Smoke

Simon Hawkin, who suffers from a heart condition and serious back problems, said he knew something was wrong when the guards began moving quickly through the train.

"The next thing we knew, we were told to get to the back of the train, then we noticed some smoke," he said.

"Everybody here has been brilliant - I just want to get back home and rest."