Trains were suspended while police dealt with an incident at Christchurch this afternoon.

Officials from South Western Railway said all lines were blocked as police dealt with an incident at Christchurch.

Residents reported the incident involved an individual and took place on the footbridge near the station.

All lines have now reopened, but delays and disruption will continue until the end of the day.

No trains were able to run while the incident was dealt with.

A spokesperson said: "We were informed that the police were dealing with an incident at Christchurch.

"Power to the track had to be switched off and trains were unable to pass through the area for over two hours.

"The incident is now over and the line has reopened, as we work towards restoring the service to schedule trains may be subject to short notice alterations. 

"To assist you with your journey today your tickets will be accepted, at no extra cost on:
More Buses routes x1, x2,1,1b,16 and 17."

One man said a group of people were waiting in the cold at Poole station with little information as to when services would resume.