It has been a night of misery for train users as well as motorists this evening after cows were reported to be blocking train lines, causing long delays.

Trains between Chester and Crewe were delayed by up to 30 minutes after the animals would not get out of the way, affecting trains between these stations.

Naional Rail tweeted: “Trains between Chester and Crewe are being delayed by up to 30 minutes because of animals on the line #ChesterCrewe”

Lines between Liverpool and Runcorn and between Warrington Bank Quay and Chester also faced long delays this evening as a result of the overturned tanker on the M56 between Junction 11 and 14 .

The tanker which was carrying a significant quantity of a hazardous, but non-explosive substance leaked out onto the carriageway meaning trains could not pass.

All train lines have now been reopened, although delays are expected on services between Runcorn, Chester and Liverpool while services return to normal.