A fire on a train between Stockton and Sunderland has brought the railway to a halt, just as people are gearing up for a weekend of last-minute Christmas shopping.
Services between Newcastle and Middlesbrough are currently facing disruption following a fire on a train just before 8am this morning (Saturday, December 23), train operator Northern has confirmed.
The fire brigade are currently on site to deal with the blaze.
East Coast Mainline services are not affected, and all Northern services are currently diverting via the main line, meaning stations at Stockton, Billingham, Seaton Carew, Horden, Hartlepool, Seaham, Sunderland and Heworth will not be called at.
Northern has advised that customers may use Transpennine Express, LNER and Cross Country services to travel on the East Coast mainline between Middlesbrough, Darlington and Newcastle.
Rail replacement mini buses are also in operation.
ℹ️ Services that run via the East Coast Mainline are NOT affected.
— Northern 🚆 (@northernassist) December 23, 2023
All Northern services will divert via the main line and will not call at Stockton, Billingham, Seaton Carew, Horden, Hartlepool, Seaham, Sunderland and Heworth.
🎟️Customers may use Transpennine Express, LNER and…
🚍08:25 Two minibuses will depart Middlesbrough calling at all stations to Newcastle.
— Northern 🚆 (@northernassist) December 23, 2023
08:40 Two minibuses will depart Hartlepool calling at all stations to Newcastle.#NorthernUpdates
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