A derailed train has blocked lines on a major route between England and Scotland, Northern Rail has said.

An engineering train came off the track near Carnforth, Lancashire, affecting services by Northern, TransPennine Express and Virgin Trains.

Services disrupted include trains from Manchester Airport, London Euston and Birmingham New Street destined for Glasgow Central and Edinburgh.

Disruption was expected to last throughout the day, possibly until as late as 9pm tonight.

The National Rail Enquiries website said: "An engineering train has derailed between Lancaster and Oxenholme Lake District and this is causing disruption to trains between Preston and Carlisle / Windermere."

Bus replacement services were expected to be brought in.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "Engineers are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

"As a result it means that there will be an impact on train services and we advise passengers to check with their rail operator before they travel.

"We would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience that they have experienced and reassure them that we are working to rectify this as quickly and as safely as we can."