HUNDREDS of train passengers heading home to Dorset were stranded in carriages overnight as the severe weather caused the rail network locally to grind to a halt

Multiple broken down trains between Weymouth and Southampton Central led to lines becoming blocked, and none of the stations between Bournemouth and Weymouth were able to be served throughout the night.

Passengers heading home were forced to spend the night on packed carriages with little food, water and heating.

Hundreds of passengers were stuck overnight on a South Western Railways train with no water or heating.

One train, which became stuck between Christchurch and Hinton Admiral overnight, had departed from London at 6pm on Thursday.

Speaking to an Echo reporter from one of the carriages on Friday morning, passenger Robert Luther said: "We've been pretty cold these past 13 hours.

"Luckily a lot of us had some winter clothing, it looks like we're all going on a skiing trip."

Businessman David Taylor of Branksome Park, Poole, who was stuck on the same train, said: "It has been 12 hours since we left Waterloo. There's no power, no food or water.

"There are elderly folk on board and the carriages are freezing. It is chaos."

At around 7.30am he told the Echo: "A diesel train has just started picking up the trains behind us and apparently the army has been engaged too but no sign of them yet.

"British Transport Police are now on board and are just explaining the evacuation process onto the diesel when it arrives."

Meanwhile, Liv Thurlow was forced to spend the night on a train stuck at Southampton station - which couldn't move because of the trains broken down further up the line.

Liv, who became stranded along with hundreds of other passengers on the Weymouth bound service at 10pm on Thursday night, told the Echo: "It has just gone 7.30am and we've just had the first update in five hours. Basically, we are being told there are three trains in front of us.

"I'm in the train but I am able to get on and off the platform. We are the lucky ones - we're not as bad as the people stuck on trains out on the line. But it has been terrible.

"I just want to get back to Branksome and make my way home."

The 24-year-old, who works in creative events in London, said passengers had been given complimentary drinks, but we realised we are in it for the long haul.

"People have been going without food, there were bottles of water on the train but it was made clear supplies were low so it was only if you really, really needed it.

"I managed to get 20 minutes sleep here and there, people have made themselves as comfortable as they can. We are just stuck until we know more. There is a sense of community, we've all made some new friends but now it’s got to the point where we just want to get home.

A South Western Railway spokesperson said: "We sincerely apologise to passengers who were stranded on trains overnight. They have all been taken to Bournemouth station where South Western Railway staff are providing hot food and drinks. Hotel accommodation will be provided for those unable to travel onwards from Bournemouth.

“Our staff, together with Network Rail have battled tirelessly throughout the night to try to get trains moving in very challenging conditions, and will continue to do so throughout the day.

“We are advising passengers not to attempt to travel today, but for those who have already started their journey,  we recommend they return as soon as possible. Due to the continued extreme weather conditions,  we will be closing the train service early today.  Please check our website for the most up to date information."