Train passengers travelling between Falmouth and Truro this afternoon have faced delays after a cow wandered onto the line.

The young beef cow could be seen ambling up and down the side of the rail track at Perranwell, just as a train was approaching the station.

The oncoming train, which was travelling from Truro, was forced to wait for 20 minutes before it was able to squeeze past and pick up the passengers waiting on the platform.

 

The animal has caused disruption to train times Picture: Harry Guyver-Cole

The animal has caused disruption to train times Picture: Harry Guyver-Cole

The train coming from Falmouth was also delayed as a result of the incident, which took place at around 3.20pm today.

One witness said: "Luckily it was at the station rather on the line further up, where it could have been really serious if it had hit full speed.

"We were delayed by 20 minutes before the train was able to squeeze past."

Great Western Railway has reported it on its live incidents and warned that disruption could continue until 5.30pm today (Friday) as a result of the delays.

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The note read: "Due to animals on the railway between Truro and Falmouth Docks trains have to run at reduced speed.

"Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 5.30pm, December 12."

It later updated it to say that the line was blocked, and that as a result train services running to and from these stations had been suspended.

However, the expected disruption remains the same. 

Today has also seen the running of trains between Truro and Penzance return to normal, after Network Rail finished repairs to the track in the Redruth area, which have been taking place for the last four days.

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Network Rail said today: "Our work to renew track in the Treleigh area in Cornwall has been successfully completed this morning, with train journeys resuming.

"Thank you for your patience this week. Wishing you a fantastic festive time, stay safe and look after one another with love."