Passengers safe after fire on Birmingham to Glasgow train

Passengers have been evacuated after a fire started in the engine of a train.

The 5.20pm Birmingham to Glasgow service, operated by Virgin Trains, was forced to stop near Moffat, in Dumfries and Galloway, at about 10.20pm.

The fire was isolated to the front of the train, and all of the passengers were moved to the rear before an emergency evacuation took place.

Virgin said it had been a "minor engine fire" and that all of its customers were safe at Lockerbie station.

Alternative transport was being arranged to take them to Glasgow.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "Virgin Trains confirms that its 5.20pm Birmingham-Glasgow Central service had a fire in one of the front coaches of a double voyager.

"This happened between Lockerbie and Beattock. All customers were quickly moved to the rear of the train and everyone was evacuated safely.

"Customers are at Lockerbie station where, as a priority, they will be looked after by the Virgin Trains care team."

Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service said three appliances attended the incident.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Just after 11.30pm, Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire, who had been travelling on the service, tweeted: "Evacuation now complete after train fire nr Moffat, all passengers & staff now warm, dry and safe on rear train, emergency services here."

PA