A freight train has derailed on a major route between England and Scotland, with passengers urged to avoid travelling.

Rail services have been cancelled and delayed after the incident happened on the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and Oxenholme Lake District.

Very limited train services remain, with passengers being told to expect delays through the rest of the morning with a 'do not travel' alert being issued.

Some lines are blocked and a very limited train service is running on the line that remains open.

Network Rail has shared pictures of the derailed train

The alert has been issued by train operators Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express.

A spokesman for Avanti West Coast said: "Please do not attempt to travel with us between Preston and Scotland today."

A spokesman from Transpennine Express said: "Due to an extremely limited train service as well as difficulty in sourcing road transport, customers travelling between Preston and Glasgow Central and between Preston and Edinburgh in both directions are advised not to travel."

Ticket holders who have been impacted by the incident can delay journeys until Friday or travel with other operators.

Carlisle Railway Station