Passengers were warned of severe delays
18:52, 12 Aug 2025Updated 18:57, 12 Aug 2025
The passenger “self-evacuated” from the train(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A Merseyrail service faced major disruption this afternoon after a passenger “self-evacuated” from the carriage and jumped onto the tracks. The incident occurred on a Kirkby to Liverpool Central service, which had already been delayed due to an earlier trespasser near Fazakerley.
According to a passenger on board, the man “forced one of the doors open, jumped out, and stormed off down the track,” prompting further delays.
The passenger said: “We were told by the driver there was a trespasser on the tracks at Fazakerley and we could expect a delay of one hour. Understandably, people were upset, but then one man seemed to have had enough. He pulled the emergency handle, opened the doors, and jumped off the train.”
Shortly after the initial trespassing issue was resolved, the driver informed passengers the service still couldn’t move – as the man who had left the train was now being treated as a second trespasser on the line.
Merseyrail posted to its website: “Due to a trespasser on the railway, train services between Liverpool Central and Headbolt Lane will be cancelled or delayed.”
In an update, the driver said: “The passenger who self-evacuated the train has been seen leaving the station at Kirkby.”
Following the incident, electrical issues caused a further delay of around 30 minutes before the train could continue. Two subsequent services were cancelled as a result of the incident.
The train resumed its journey around 40 minutes after the original stop, the passenger said.
In an update, Merseyrail said rail replacement buses had been requested to run between Aintree and Headbolt Lane as a result of the cancellations.
A spokesperson for Merseyrail said: “The track has been re-energised and services are starting to resume.”
British Transport Police has been approached for comment.
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