UPDATE: Merseyrail still state that major disruption due to the incident is effecting The Southport Line, Hunts Cross Line, Ormskirk Line and the Kirkby Line. Please see Service Updates on the Merseyrail website for the latest info.

Merseyrail has issued a statement after a train at Liverpool Central station was involved in a controlled derailment.

A train was travelling at low speed in a “non public area” of Liverpool Central where it tripped a safety device that is designed to lead to a controlled derailment.

No passengers were onboard at the time and no-one has been injured.

Work is currently underway to move the stranded train, and this means trains between Sandhills and Hunts Cross are being delayed.

Acting Managing Director, Jane English said: “Earlier this afternoon,  just outside Liverpool Central, a train travelling at low speed in a non-public area of the railway tripped a safety device which is designed to lead to a controlled derailment.

“No passengers were onboard at the time and no-one was injured. We are currently working hard to move the stranded train, although its position means disruption for passengers travelling between Sandhills and Hunts Cross.

“Further information will be shared later this afternoon. Passengers are advised to check our social media feeds or website for the latest information.”