Travel warning after person dies in train crash

Passengers have been advised not to travel after one person died and "a number of people" were injured in a crash between two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services near Bedford.

EMR said the 16:40 train from Corby to London St Pancras was involved in a collision with the 15:50 Nottingham to London St Pancras service.

British Transport Police said a major incident had been declared, and officers were continuing to respond at the scene alongside other emergency services.

The train operator said services from London St Pancras to Nottingham, Derby and Leicester would be disrupted for the rest of Friday.

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: "We've declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing.

"We're working at pace to establish exactly what's happened and will provide further information as soon as we are able to.

"Officers from British Transport Police and Bedfordshire Police are on scene with colleagues from the local authority to assist any members of the public concerned about loved ones."

In a statement on social media, health secretary James Murray said: "A number of people have been injured and I thank first responders who are helping those affected."

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was "deeply concerned to hear reports of the collision involving two East Midlands Railway passenger trains".

"I'm grateful to emergency services who are on the scene, attending to those affected. We're working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to support passengers," she added.

Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, said her thoughts were with staff and passengers affected.

"I understand that the emergency services are on the scene and Rail Accident Investigation Branch on their way," the Labour MP added.

EMR said on its website If passengers were currently travelling they should use alternative routes.

"Customers are advised that due to the time of day, connections will be limited, so please check for your entire journey before attempting to complete this route," it added.

EMR said passengers travelling from Derby and Chesterfield to London could travel to Birmingham New Street with Cross Country where they should change for a train to London Euston with London Northwestern Railway or Avanti West Coast.

It advised passengers travelling from Leicester to London to travel to Nuneaton with Cross Country, where they should change for a train to London Euston with Avanti West Coast or London Northwestern Railway.

The train operator said passengers from Nottingham to London could travel to Grantham with EMR where they should change for a train to London Kings Cross.

Those currently on trains along the line have been told by the rail operator to remain on board and await further information.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said she was "shocked and concerned" to hear two East Midlands Railway trains had collided.

"My thoughts are with any impacted passengers and staff members aboard and I'd like to express my sincere thanks to the emergency services for their fast response.

"The Department for Transport is working with our emergency services, Network Rail and East Midlands Railway to ensure passengers and railway staff members are supported in the best way possible.

"Please avoid sharing unconfirmed reports until we hear officially from the emergency services or one of the agencies who run these services" Ward added.

A spokesperson for EMR said: "We are currently on the scene and working with Network Rail to assist the emergency services."

Bedfordshire Police has asked people not to travel to the scene.

A spokesperson for the force said: "We understand people are concerned and worried for relatives but we are advising the public not to travel to the scene and to await further updates from emergency services."

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