All trains through Branksome were replaced with coaches after a 'defect' was found on the track this morning.

Urgent repairs were required and trains were unable to run through Branksome in either direction until 11am.

Services have now been restored,although some disruption is still expected until midday.

South West Trains said: "A defect with the track was discovered earlier between Bournemouth and Branksome. Our engineers have now repaired the defect, and services are running through once again.

"Some services may still be disrupted due to crew or trains being out of place, but things should return to normal shortly.

"Train services running through this station are returning to normal but some services may still be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 12:00."

Paul Booth from Sussex was waiting at Branksome train station. He said: "I'm not from this area so it would be nice to be told what is going on.

"It would be nice if they had somebody at the entrance to the station telling people where to get the buses, as I have seen people walking down to the platforms, where the signs say that the train is running on time, when they are not running at all at the moment."

One man, who asked not to be named, said: "There has been no information. I'm trying to get back to Weymouth as I just dropped a car off here in Branksome this morning. I'm self-employed and I've lost a day's work stuck here.

"I spoke to one of the engineers and he was optimistic that they had the parts to fix the issue within 15 minutes and then once trains are running again, it will be at a reduced speed, but at least they'll be heading somewhere."