A MAN was taken away by police after trespassing on the East Coast Main Line yesterday.

The man was first spotted standing on a bridge over the River Skerne in John Street, in Darlington, shortly before 8am.

He then walked on to the nearby railway line, which is used by trains between Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

He walked along to line to where it joins the East Coast Main Line and started to walk north.

Police officers searched the scene for him and trains were slowed down.

He was discovered at about 8.30pm hiding in bushes and was taken to Darlington police station. Police believe he was suffering from mental problems.