Thousands of train passengers are suffering disruption after a herd of cows wandered onto one of the UK’s busiest railway lines.
Information on National Rail Enquiries shows the West Coast Main Line has been blocked in Staffordshire between Lichfield Trent Valley and Rugeley Trent Valley for more than three hours.
This is causing delays and cancellations for Avanti West Coast and Lumo services between London Euston and Scotland, as well as London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services.
The Press Association said it understood there were difficulties contacting the farmer responsible for the animals.
The incident was reported at 8.57am and passengers are being warned to expect disruption until 4pm.
Tickets are being accepted on certain alternative routes.
The incident was reported at 8.57am and passengers are being warned to expect disruption until 4pm.
Tickets are being accepted on certain alternative routes and road transport is also being provided.
Many affected passengers expressed their frustration on social media.
One messaged Avanti West Coast to say they were stuck on a train that had “not moved for three hours”, while another complained they had only been offered one 330ml bottle of water, adding: “I’m sure your shop is doing great business.”
Another stranded passenger posted on X to ask: “How long will these delays last?” and “How long does it take to move cows off the line?”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At around 9am this morning we received a report of cows on the line near Armitage, between Lichfield and Rugeley.
“This resulted in some train services through the area being delayed and disrupted.
“Our teams attended the scene and, with assistance from farmers, were able to resolve the situation around 1pm.
“Normal working will now resume. We are sorry to those affected by this disruption.”
