There are major delays on the trains this afternoon after the West Coast Mainline was closed.

Passengers travelling home from London to Manchester - and those making the opposite journey - have been warned to expect delays until at least 6pm.

It comes after a person was hit by a train between Watford Junction and Milton Keynes Central.

The incident has blocked all lines in the area, affecting trains running between Piccadilly and London Euston.

In a statement on their website Virgin Trains said: “Due to a person being hit by a train between Watford Junction and Milton Keynes Central all lines are blocked.

“Train services running through these stations will be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or terminated at and started back from Milton Keynes Central.

“Disruption is expected until 6pm.”

This weekend is set to be one of the busiest of the year on the roads and railways as families head off on their holidays after the schools broke up for the summer.