TRAIN services have been suspended following a freight train derailment between Sunderland and Hartlepool.
Services this morning have been suspended on Northern southbound trains between Newcastle and Middlesbrough.
A replacement bus service is in place between Sunderland and Hartlepool.
Tickets are being accepted on CrossCountry, Transpennine Express and Tyne and Wear Metro services. Passengers can still travel via Durham between Newcastle and Middlesborough.
The northbound line from Middlesbrough to Newcastle has reopened.
Services have also been suspended on Grand Central Trains southbound trains between Sunderland and Eaglescliffe due to the derailment.
The northbound line has reopened.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Shortly before 04:30, a Network Rail maintenance train derailed on the line between Sunderland and Hartlepool.
"Network Rail workers are on site and are working to resolve the issue.
"There is some disruption to train services and passengers are advised to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries.
“We’d like to thanks passengers for their patience and apologise to anyone who has experienced disruption due to this incident.”
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