RAIL passengers coming into Wales were left trapped in the Severn Tunnel this morning for two-and-a-half hours after the train they were travelling in hit a sheet of metal, prompting delays.

The 8.45am service from London Paddington to Swansea was stopped after hitting a "very large" sheet of metal in the tunnel at around 10.15am this morning, forcing the total closure of the tunnel while teams inspected the area.

First Great Western (FGW) said that there were some cancellations as a result of the delay, with services being diverted via Gloucester while the tunnel was closed.

The stretch was re-opened at around 1.30pm, although the company said that services would only return to normal running by 4.30pm.

A spokeswoman said: “First Great Western are very sorry for the delays caused to passengers travelling to and from South Wales this morning.

"The 8.45am Paddington to Swansea service was trapped in the tunnel after it struck a piece of metal. Services were diverted via Gloucester whilst engineers inspected the train.

"The train has now been pulled clear, and once an inspection of the tunnel has been completed, normal service will be resumed.

"Passengers on the 0845 will receive full compensation plus a complimentary ticket as an apology for the long delay to their journey."

A spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) said that the company had experienced no delays as a result of the disruption

He said: “On the routes both ATW and FGW serve, we worked closely to ensure that all those affected were able to use the Arriva Trains Wales services which were running normally, accepting tickets for those initially planning to use FGW services.

"ATW station staff were on hand to assist FGW staff in communicating disruption information and helping passengers to continue their journeys.”

A spokeswoman for Network Rail - which is responsible for the maintenance of the rail network - said both lines have resumed to normal at around 1.30pm today, adding: "We are currently working with industry colleagues to investigate the incident."

 Were you trapped? Leave your comments below