SERVICES on the Cotswold Railway Line ground to a halt this morning causing severe delays after a train hit debris near the level crossing at Littleton and Badsey, at about 6.00am.

The train, the 0502 Worcester Shrub Hill to Paddington service, is believed to have struck some wood and cables which were on the line, suffering serious damage which meant it was unable to continue on its journey.

No one was injured, but the train had to be evacuated and the inevitable delays caused disruption among a further nine trains, Network Rail confirmed.

Its spokesperson, Mavis Choong, said: “The incident, which happened on a single track section of line, caused severe delays and disruption to the rail network with nine trains in total affected.

“Thankfully no one was injured and the trains are back up and running, resuming normal service at about 11am the same morning.”

She added: “We are taking this matter very seriously and are currently working with the police to investigate.”

According to passenger service First Great Western there were only two passengers on the train at the time.

FGW spokesperson, Ellie Banks, said: “These customers were walked by staff to a place nearby where a taxi was arranged to pick them up and take them on to Oxford.

“The line between Moreton-in-Marsh and Worcester Shrub Hill was closed until 10.22am, with replacement buses getting people to where they needed to go. Luckily, with it being half-term, it wasn't very busy.”

The British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed it was investigating after the incident was reported to them, by the driver, at 6.11am.

A BTP spokesman said: “Officers from BTP attended the railway line at Littleton and Badsey level crossing in Blackminster, Evesham, after reports that a train struck debris on the line, including wooden pallets.

“Anyone with any information should call the British Transport Police on 0800 405040, quoting incident number 62 of 03/06/2010, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”