Rail users travelling from Chester to London are facing delays to their journeys due to a derailed train near Watford Junction.

The 6.19am service from Milton Keynes Central to London Euston – which is the line used by Virgin services ferrying passengers between Chester and the capital – came off the track after striking a landslip caused by heavy rain overnight.

All London Midland and Virgin Trains services to and from Euston are affected and National Rail say disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day.

Delays and cancellations likely

A National Rail spokesperson said: "A derailed train between Milton Keynes Central and Watford Junction means there is major disruption to services between Milton Keynes Central and London Euston.

"Two of the lines have reopened at reduced speed through the affected area but journeys are expected to be delayed by up to 60 minutes, revised or cancelled."

Virgin Trains customers are advised they can use their tickets on 'all reasonable routes' provided by operators Chiltern Railways, East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express and Arriva Trains Wales between Birmingham International and Shrewsbury, Crewe or North Wales.

There are no reports of any injuries as a result of the derailment.