TRAIN services have returned to normal after a fire caused major problems for train travellers between Bournemouth and Weymouth this morning.

South West Trains said a fire under a train was now out and nobody had been hurt.

The incident caused delays between Bournemouth and Weymouth.

Taxis ferried passengers from Wareham and buses were called in.

A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two crews from Weymouth attended Upwey rail station, Weymouth, just after 6am this morning following a 999 call to reports of smoke coming from the underside of one of the passenger carriages.

"All passengers, approximately 20, were evacuated from the train while DFRS and railway staff, who had used extinguishers on the fire before the arrival of fire crews, dealt with the fire.

"The train has now been removed from the platform area while crews and rail staff investigate further."

A South West Trains - Network Rail Alliance spokesperson said: "We can confirm that there was a fire between the conductor rail and the shoe gear beneath the 05.55 train from Weymouth to London Waterloo earlier this morning.  

"None of the 20 passengers or staff on board were injured in the incident and the train crew quickly extinguished the small fire.  Emergency services were called as a precaution. The problem with the shoe gear was at the front of the train and as a precaution two passengers were moved to the rear coach of the train where the other customers were seated.

"A bus replacement service was put in place between between Dorchester South and Weymouth while the train was moved and normal services were running by just after 9am.
We would like to apologise to our passengers for any inconvenience caused."