PASSENGERS have been evacuated from a train after a fire broke out on board.

Two crews from Spennymoor and Newton Aycliffe were called to tackle the fire, which broke out on a train on the East Coast mainline, near Durham.

The train was stopped near the Croxdale viaduct, to the south of the city, after the fire was reported at 10.55am. 

The Northern Echo:

The train was stopped on the East Coast main line, in Croxdale

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "The earlier train fire has now been extinguished by our crews and the train moved from the track. All passengers were safely evacuated from the train and an investigation will be carried out into the cause."

LNER, which runs services on the line, says major disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Trains through Darlington may be cancelled or delayed by up to 90 minutes.

Some services may be diverted via the Durham Coast, not calling at Darlington or Durham.

Road transport is being arranged for customers travelling to these stations.