Police declare 'major incident' as a train derailed in Cumbria

A major incident has been declared in Cumbria after an Avanti West Coast train has derailed, causing mass disruption.

The train is believed to have been travelling between Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District in Cumbria when it departed from the tracks.

Emergency services were called to the scene, with the North West Ambulance Service confirming they were in attendance.

No injuries have been reported so far.

"Following reports of a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene," they said in a statement.

"We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible."

With all train lines currently blocked, passengers are being advised not to travel north of Preston as many lines will face severe delays and cancellations. Avanti has said the disruptions may continue for a number of days.

"Major disruption between Carlisle and Preston expected until the end of the day," National Rail said, as per BBC.

"A derailed train between Penrith and Oxenholme means all lines are blocked. Trains running between Carlisle and Preston may be delayed by up to 120 minutes or cancelled."

Earlier this morning (3 November), Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed a major incident had been declared but reiterated that 'there are no reported injuries.'

She later told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that officials are in contact with the train operator and the rail accident investigation branch.

"Thankfully, at the moment, it appears that there are no injures," she said. "We will need to make sure that we can get people off the train safely, and that will be the priority at the moment."

Avanti West Coast have released a new statement, confirming that a train travelling from Glasgow to Euston had detailed at 6.10am this morning.

"Our priority is the wellbeing of everyone who was board and getting them safely off the train. We are assisting emergency services who are on the scene," they said.

"As a result, all lines are blocked north of Preston. Please do not attempt to travel north of Preston today.

"We'll provide further information in due course, but it is likely there will be significant disruption to our network for a number of days."

With the train line from Glasgow to London Euston being the main route for services in the west of the UK, thousands of passengers are expected to be impacted.