Burscough train crash - Live updates: Train 'hits vehicle' near Liverpool

Emergency services have raced to a railway line in West Lancashire and surrounded a train that has stopped abruptly next to green fields after reports it "hit a vehicle".

Images show ambulances and a fire engine parked beside the Northern train, with parts of a damaged vehicle also visible close to where it has stopped.

The incident appears to have unfolded near Martin Lane in Burscough, near its junction with Whitehouse Lane, reports the Liverpool Echo .

Northern said in a post on X: "Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident Wigan Wallgate - Southport all lines are blocked. Please note that other train operators may also be affected by disruption – please check your whole journey before travelling.

"Northern train ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas, including Advance and Peak restrictions, during this disruption. Restrictions will be reinstated once the disruption ends."

All rail lines between Southport and Wigan Wallgate are currently blocked. Northern has advised customers to continue their journeys using the following alternative routes at no extra cost:

· Bee Network buses between Wigan and Appley Bridge on the 635 bus · Merseyrail services between Southport and Liverpool Central. · Merseyrail services between Ormskirk and Liverpool Central. · Merseyrail services between Headbolt Lane and Liverpool Central.

The railway operating company has warned that other train operators may also be affected by disruption, with passengers urged to check their whole journeys before travelling.

Northern train ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas, including Advance and Peak restrictions, during this disruption. Restrictions will be reinstated once the disruption ends, Northern says.

A passanger on the train at the centre of the incident says they are still waiting to be evacuated, while another remains on the train with their children "all shook".

The passenger shared an image to the Ormskirk Live Facebook page which showed debris strewn across the carriage, where a door was pulled off its hinges.

A second traveller said: "Everyone on the train is okay we are all just stuck waiting to be evacuated."

The incident appears to be unfolding near Martin Lane in Burscough, near its junction with Whitehouse Lane.

Northern has confirmed emergency services are "dealing with an incident" with all lines blocked as a result.