Train services are resuming this morning (June 18) after a freight failure yesterday.

The freight train, for Sellafield, broke down between Millom and Bootle railway stations in West Cumbria, blocking the line at Silecroft which caused major disruption.

Ticket acceptance was granted on Avanti West Coast services between Lancaster and Carlisle, both direction, until 1pm that day, and on similar routes on TransPennine Express services.

A rail replacement service was put in operation as well, but as of 1pm that day, Northern said it wasn't able to run it.

Disruption was anticipated to last until 3pm that day but it was at that point when it was announced that they were expected to last until the end of the day.

A Northern spokesperson said: “We are unable to run any trains between Millom and Whitehaven as all lines are blocked due to a broken-down freight train.

“Customers are being advised to avoid travelling on this route for the rest of the day, as no rail replacement service is in operation.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused Network Rail engineers are on site, but the disruption is expected to continue until the end of today.”

Concerns were being raised that, because the train was for Sellafield, it was carrying toxic waste.

However, the nuclear site confirmed it was an empty train.

Direct Rail Services (DRS) which operates a rail freight company to Sellafield provided a statement on that morning's broken-down freight train.

They said: "One of our freight services carrying metal frames has suffered a mechanical issue on the Cumbrian Coast Line.

"The train was safely brought to a halt and we are in the process of working with partners to clear the line as quickly as possible."

Northern then advised that a very limited replacement bus service is running and is subject to very reduced availability.

Due to road closures and limited availability, final bus services tonight will ran up to and including 7pm from Millom, all stops to Whitehaven, set down as required to Carlisle, and vice versa from Whitehaven to Millom, then Barrow-in-Furness.