A “do not travel” alert has been issued – and rail services cancelled and delayed – after a freight train derailed on a major route between England and Scotland.

The incident happened on the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and Oxenholme Lake District on Wednesday night, National Rail Enquiries said.

Some lines are blocked and a very limited train service is running on the line that remains open.

Train operators Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express issued the alert, urging passengers not to attempt to use their services for journeys between Preston and Scotland on Thursday.

Ticket holders can delay journeys until Friday or travel with other operators.

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