Train services heading from Milton Keynes to northern England and Scotland have been disrupted by a major derailment in Cumbria.
The incident happened when an Avanti West Coast train travelling from Glasgow to London derailed at around 6:15am this morning (03/11). The train is believed to have hit debris on the track caused by a landslip after heavy rain in the area, which was located near the village of Shap around 15 miles south of Penrith station.
Four passengers on the train were treated for minor injuries, with all of the people onboard the train evacuated to a nearby hotel.
All of the 11 carriages of the affected train remained upright, although the first carriage of the train came off the track and was damaged in the incident.
While an investigation is carried out, the derailed train is moved and the tracks fixed, no trains are running between Preston and Carlisle stations. This has caused disruption to some services as far as Milton Keynes and London, with direct trains linking MK with Carlisle and Glasgow unable to progress beyond Preston station.
Network Rail have said they anticipate disruption to continue until at least Wednesday (05/11), with a do not travel advisory in place for passengers aiming to travel on routes that include the affected section between Preston and Carlisle.
Avanti West Coast confirmed that ticket acceptance is in place on alternative routes with alternative operators, including LNER, ScotRail, CrossCounty and Northern where applicable.
Managing Director for Avanti West Coast, Andy Mellors, said, “Our main priority is the safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues following this serious incident.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude for the actions of our colleagues onboard which has been warmly received and appreciated by customers.
“I would also like to thank our staff who responded, the emergency services, Network Rail and the local hotel who laid on facilities for everyone onboard. We are now ensuring we provide support to those affected.”
Police are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in Milton Keynes in which a cyclist was seriously injured.
The incident happened at around 8.40am on Saturday (1/11) on V2 Tattenhoe Street, when a man was knocked off his bicycle by a grey Ford Fiesta. Thames Valley Police confirmed that the car stopped at the scene.
The victim, a man in his fifties, received serious injuries and required hospital treatment. He has since been discharged. No arrests have been made at this time.
Investigating officer PC Amy Harnett of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said, “I am appealing for any witnesses to this collision.
“I would also ask anyone who was driving in the area at the time to please check their dash-cam footage, as it may have captured something that could help with our enquiries.
“If you saw the collision, have any information or hold any digital media that might assist our investigation, no matter how small it may seem, please call 101 or make a report via our website, quoting reference number 43250557744.”
Brackley Town will have another home tie against EFL opposition as they will play Burton Albion in the Second Round of the FA Cup.
After pulling off an upset against Notts County last weekend, the Saints’ reward in the Second Round is another home tie against an EFL side, with League One Burton Albion making the trip to St James’ Park.
The tie will be played in Northamptonshire around Saturday December 6, with the specific date, kick-off time, ticket information and details of any TV coverage to be announced ahead of the match.
Brackley booked their place with an upset victory in front of the BBC TV cameras, as they beat League Two side Notts County on penalties after a 2-2 draw at home. The Saints are chasing a first ever place in the Third Round of the FA Cup, having reached the Second Round on four previous occasions.
Burton Albion, who currently sit 20th in League One, booked their place with a comfortable 6-0 win over Isthmian League Premier Division side St Albans City at the Pirelli Stadium.
Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious injury road traffic collision on the A4146 near Milton Keynes.
The appeal relates to an incident that happened around 5.05pm yesterday (2/11) on the A4146 northbound carriageway towards Newton Leys, Milton Keynes.
A collision occurred between a blue Yamaha R1 motorcycle and a red Honda CBR 650 motorcycle. Both motorcyclists, two men, one aged in their twenties and one aged in their thirties, sustained serious injuries and remain in hospital at this time.
Investigating officer, PC Jodie Fulford of the Roads Policing Unit, said, “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of this incident, and I am appealing for any witnesses to please come forward.
“We are also asking any drivers who were in the area at the time and have dashcam footage to review it, as it may contain important information about the collision or the moments leading up to it.”
Contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or by submitting a report via their website, quoting reference number 43250559748. Thames Valley Police have said a dedicated digital portal is also available on their website for digital evidence related to this case.
For those who prefer to remain anonymous, you can share what you know with Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.
Luton Town will make a trip to play Fleetwood Town in the Second Round of the FA Cup.
The Hatters will make the trip to Lancashire to play the Cod Army at Highbury on the weekend surrounding Saturday December 6. A specific kick-off date, time, ticket information and details of any TV coverage will be announced in due course.
Luton had booked their place in the Second Round after a 4-3 win over Forest Green Rovers, in a game that saw the Hatters let a 3-0 lead slip to National League opposition before rescuing the win late on.
They will play a Fleetwood side who booked their place after a 2-1 win over their fellow League 2 side Barnet on Saturday.
The match will be Luton’s first encounter with Fleetwood since the 2018/19 season, when the two sides were both in League 1. Luton registered a 2-1 win at Highbury in February 2019, having also won the return fixture at Kenilworth Road 2 months earlier. Those two meetings are the only previous competitive meetings between Luton and Fleetwood.
