Bournemouth Train Hits Herd Of Cows

A passenger train travelling between Bournemouth and Manchester with around 200 people on board has crashed into an escaped herd of cows.

The 2.45pm Crosscountry Trains service stopped after hitting the farm animals near the village of Tackley, north of Oxford, a company spokesman said.

The train remained on the rails while they awaited rescue and there were no reported injuries, he added.

The line was closed between Oxford and Banbury.

The Crosscountry spokesman said:

''It was involved in an incident with farm animals that had strayed onto the line. The train is currently at a stand at the site awaiting an inspection.''

The train will be taken to Banbury where the passengers will be taken off.

Passengers are being advised to use routes through London. Rail replacement buses are also being organised.

Drew Benvie, UK managing director of the Hotwire Group of PR companies, tweeted from on board the stationary train that the accident happened around 5pm. He wrote that he had been told they hit 12 cows, five minutes after leaving Oxford.

''Our virgin train just outside Oxford has hit a herd of animals at hi speed and we think a vehicle. People in tears. train is on the tracks,'' he wrote.

The Londoner added:

''Everyone incl driver is ok. People saw a vehicle and a lot of blood... We're being assured it was a herd of cattle. Felt like we'd derailed.''