All rail lines closed between Wolverhampton and Birmingham as emergency services deal with 'incident'

National Rail alerted passengers to the problem just before 1pm on Tuesday (March 4).

It said trains will be cancelled, delayed by up to an hour, revised or diverted, with disruption expected to last until 3.30pm

A notice to passengers on the National Rail website reads: "The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street. 

"Whilst they carry out their work all lines between these stations will be closed."

A number of police vehicles and a private ambulance have been spotted at Tipton Train station, which the Express & Star understands to be linked to the rail disruption.

Lisa McKinnley said she was having to get the bus as a result of the cancelled trains.

The 32-year-old told the Express & Star: "I'm not sure what's gone on. It has been closed for a few hours I think. The officer said it would be closed for a while yet, I'm having the get the bus instead. It's not nice to see though."

Timothy Decker, aged 27 and from Tipton, said: "I was gonna get the train but they said all the services have stopped running now. 

"It's a bit worrying, it's bad to see, hopefully it's nothing terrible."

What should customers do?

Avanti West Coast customers have been advised that some services could be diverted on alternative lines between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, via Bescot Stadium.

In cases where services are diverted, they will not stop at Sandwell & Dudley.

If their train is cancelled, Avanti West Coast passengers can use their tickets on one of the two services immediately before their booked train, or one of the two immediately after.

West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway customers can use their tickets on CrossCountry trains on a reasonable route and West Midlands Railway trains between Smethwick Galton Bridge and Birmingham Moor Street / Birmingham Snow Hill. 

These tickets are also being accepted on West Midlands Metro services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham and relevant National Express West Midlands bus services.

National Rail said rail replacement transport is on standby at Crewe, Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton if required.

Transport for Wales customers can use their tickets on CrossCountry services between Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International and on metro services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

People who experience a delay to their journey could be entitled to compensation. More information on this can be found on the National Rail website. 

The Express & Star has contacted the British Transport Police for comment.