RAIL services were disrupted this morning when a Great Western Railway train broke down at Dawlish stationThe line was eventually reopened by 2.30pm although GWR staff warned passengers that services running along the line may still be delayed or cancelled..

The 8.35am Plymouth to Paddington service developed a fault and came to a halt at platform two at Dawlish at about 9.30am.

By lunchtime, passengers were stranded on the darkened train which appeared have no power.

The line was blocked between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot.

The stranded train had been blocking the line affecting services.

Customers were advised not to travel.

The breakdown happened as Storm Barra battered the south west.

A GWR spokesman said: ‘For those who have already set out on the journey, we have a limited replacement bus service operating between Newton Abbot and Exeter.

‘Rail tickets will also be valid on local bus services.

‘.'The 0835 Plymouth to Paddington service was significantly delayed between Teignmouth and Dawlish, and we’re sorry for this. 'Customers were taken forward on replacement bus transport while Hitachi worked to rectify the fault.'Customers with tickets for today who choose not to travel are able to use their ticket tomorrow; and those who have been delayed may be entitled to a refund.'