Misery goes on for train travellers after derailment

Rail passengers were continuing to face delays today after a freight train derailment on the main line to London.

The West Coast Main Line was partially re-opened yesterday afternoon after being closed for more than 12 hours when the freight engine derailed at Bletchley, in Buckinghamshire. Train firms affected included Virgin Trains, London Midland and Southern trains.

Two out of the four lines were re-opened at about 3.40pm yesterday with two Virgin trains running each hour between London and Manchester Piccadilly.

There were two trains per hour between London Euston and Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

A spokesman for Network Rail said the Freightliner locomotive appeared to have approached a set of points at high speed and derailed as a result. It is not yet known when repairs to the line will be completed and travellers have been warned to expect disruption into tomorrow.