RAIL services from Newport to Shrewsbury will be disrupted "until the end of the day" after an incident in Shropshire.

Transport for Wales (TfW) said an "operational incident" has "blocked" the line between Newport and Shrewsbury and is causing widespread disruption.

The firm later said a train had "struck an object" and the service was evacuated, with no injuries reported to staff or the 49 passengers on board.

"Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or suspended between Hereford and Shrewsbury," Transport for Wales said in a statement. "Disruption is expected until the end of the day."

There are "limited replacement road transport" options available, but "customers are advised to use alternative rail services between Cardiff Central and Shrewsbury via Birmingham New Street".

The firm has also issued "do not travel" warnings for some lines. To check the status of your service, TfW has a Live Route Status page on its website. 

Transport for Wales tickets will be accepted by CrossCountry, GWR and West Midlands Rail while the disruption continues.

But TfW has urged passengers to "not travel on the affected routes if possible".

It follows what our sister publication the Hereford Times called a "rail incident" near Craven Arms, Shropshire, late on Sunday evening.

A road closure was put in place on the A49 between the A489 near Strefford and the B4368 at Craven Arms while the incident was dealt with.

A Highways Agency spokesperson confirmed the A49 was reopened just after 3am on Monday.

In a statement, TfW said: "Sunday’s 20:43 Crewe to Cardiff Central service was terminated after striking an object near Craven Arms.

“All 49 passengers on board were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported to customers or train crew. Replacement road transport was arranged so people could continue their journeys.

“Disruption to services is expected to continue into Monday afternoon and passengers are advised to check for the latest information before starting their journey.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”