FOOTAGE has emerged of a mainline train making an emergency stop in a North-East station.

A passenger on East Coast’s 2.30pm Edinburgh to London service pulled the emergency door release as the train was leaving Darlington station on the afternoon of Friday, September 13.

An East Coast spokesman said the passenger had tried to get off the train when it stopped, but his path had been obstructed.

The incident was captured by a train enthusiast, who posted it on video sharing website YouTube.

The passenger can be seen stepping off the train before speaking to station staff and wandering off.

There is no suggestion the man’s action in stopping the train was malicious.

Delays were kept to a minimum, said East Coast, while there was no risk to passenger safety.

The East Coast spokesman said: “Our records show that a male passenger who tried to get off the train at Darlington station was obstructed in doing so by a group of oil rig workers who were also on board.

“As the doors closed and the train began to move again, the passenger pulled the emergency door release handle sited next to the door.

“This triggered the passenger communication alarm, which in turn automatically applied the train’s brakes and brought it safely to a stop.

“Passenger communication devices are placed throughout the train at every door, inside each carriage and within each toilet cubicle for passenger use in the event of an emergency.

“The man then alighted from the train when it came to a stand.

“He was interviewed by the train guard and station staff who established that his action in stopping the train was not in any way malicious.

“Delay to the train was fairly minimal – five minutes maximum - and there was no risk to passenger safety at any time.”

It is understood there may have been an exchange between the passenger and the oil rig workers resulting in him being unable to get off.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman confirmed that the incident had not been reported to officers.