Rail passengers are being told to avoid travelling this morning after a train reportedly hit sheep on the line between Durham and Darlington.
Major delays have been reported with LNER advising against travelling if possible until midday on Thursday (March 26).
The train operator tweeted: “Due to sheep on the railway between Durham and Darlington, services may be subject to delays when passing in the surrounding area.”
The train operator cancelled its 9.05am York to Newcastle train and has lifted ticket restrictions meaning passengers can travel on other operators at no extra cost.
One commuter at Durham station said they'd been waiting an hour for a train.
"You couldn't write this," they said. "Ironically we're being herded like sheep over to the other platform before being told there had been a train break down. What a shambles.
"The staff here have been great but it doesn't seem like we're going anywhere soon."
Passengers reported delays and trains being held due to the issue.
One passenger told the Echo: “I’m on a train heading north and we’re being held at York station. They’ve said we could be here some time because a train hit sheep between Durham and Darlington and the line is closed.
“The announcement on the train said Network Rail are there assessing any damage but it’s causing quite a bit of disruption.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: "Services between Durham and Darlington were disrupted this morning after sheep were struck by a train.
"All lines reopened just after 9.10am, although there may continue to be some delays as services return to normal.
"We advise passengers to continue to check before they travel and thank them for their patience."
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