Train derailment causes travel chaos for Liverpool fans

Football fans heading to the Carling Cup final at Wembley faced transport chaos on Sunday after a train derailed overnight leaving the main line between Liverpool and London blocked.

Thousands of Liverpool supporters are expected to make the journey to the capital to watch their team take on Cardiff City in the cup clash this afternoon. But those planning to travel on the rail network have been advised to alter their plans.

Virgin Trains said an engineering train derailed at Winsford, in Cheshire, overnight, leaving the line between Liverpool and Crewe and Warrington and Crewe blocked. Issuing an apology, the operator recommended those travelling to London consider driving to Crewe, Stafford or Stoke stations and taking the train from there.

A Virgin spokesman said: "Due to the derailment of an engineering train at Winsford overnight, the line between Liverpool and Crewe and Warrington and Crewe is blocked. Due to the high number of passengers intending to travel from Liverpool/Runcorn to London for the football at Wembley it is recommended that if possible they consider driving to Crewe, Stafford or Stoke stations and use the rail services from there.

"Coaches will also be provided to connect Liverpool and Crewe and Runcorn and Stafford. Virgin Trains apologises for the disruption and is doing everything it can to minimise the major disruption caused by the derailment.''

National Rail said there would be no trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Crewe until further notice. Further details of the problems and the impact on Sunday's services can be found here.

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