A LIGHTNING strike at or near York's signalling box is causing major disruption to train services - and causing level crossing barriers around the city to stay down.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said the disruption was "widespread and significant" with trains unable to go north out of York railway station and west towards Leeds, although they could still travel southwards.

She said level crossings were connected to the signalling system, and their default position would be to remain down for traffic.

The spokeswoman said the signalling system had been affected by lightning which either struck the signalling box or somewhere close by this morning, and efforts were being made to resolve the problem.

"We can only apologise for the disruption caused," she added.