(Image: PA MEDIA)
Rail passengers are facing delays and cancellations between Sunderland and Middlesbrough this morning after a trespass incident brought trains to a halt.
All lines between the two stations were blocked shortly before 10am on Friday (August 21).
National Rail said trains running through the area could be cancelled, revised or delayed by up to 45 minutes, with disruption currently expected to continue until around 11am.
In its latest available update, issued at 10.19am, National Rail said: “Services between Sunderland and Middlesbrough are currently being disrupted due to a trespass incident.”
⚠️Due to trespassers on the railway between Sunderland and Middlesbrough all lines are blocked.https://t.co/6ACO2NDlDH#NorthernUpdates
— NORTHERN 🚆 (@northernassist) August 21, 2026
Emergency services are at the scene, while Network Rail staff were also due to attend.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police (BTP) said: "We were called to an area of the line in Hartlepool at around 9.15am this morning (21 August) following reports of a concern for welfare.
"Officers attended along with paramedics and a person was taken to a place of safety."
National Rail added: “Train services are unable to run between Sunderland and Hartlepool (in both directions).”
The disruption is affecting Northern services between Carlisle and Middlesbrough or Nunthorpe, as well as trains between Newcastle and Middlesbrough or Whitby.
However, Northern services running between Bishop Auckland or Darlington and Saltburn are not affected.
Passengers can use alternative Northern services between Darlington and Middlesbrough at no extra cost.
Tickets are also being accepted on LNER and TransPennine Express services between Newcastle and Darlington, as well as on the Tyne and Wear Metro between Newcastle and Sunderland.
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Northern has also temporarily lifted ticket restrictions, including Advance and Peak restrictions, across the affected area while the incident continues.
National Rail said: “You can travel on the next Northern service to your destination, where available.”
Passengers using any replacement buses have been warned that journey times may be longer than normal. Bicycles, e-bikes and dogs, other than service dogs, will not be permitted on replacement road transport.
Passengers are being advised to check their journeys before travelling.