GWR has announced that no train service will run between Eggesford and Barnstaple until further notice.

It said this afternoon, Sunday, August 16: "We've had reports of a track defect in the Eggesford area, affecting all trains running between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple.

“Engineers from Network Rail are on site, but until this has been properly inspected, it is not safe to run trains. Therefore, trains are currently only running between Exeter and Eggesford, with nothing beyond.

“At Barnstaple, road transport has been requested, and we will confirm with customers once this is in place.

“For customers at Exeter St Davids intending to travel beyond Eggesford, we are arranging road transport at Exeter St Davids. Please do not board an Eggesford train at Exeter, if travelling beyond Eggesford. We will confirm once this is in place."

As yet there has been no confirmation that this is in place.

Unconfirmed reports are of a “bulge” on a section of track.

The line has been struck by many service disruptions in recent months caused by trees on the track, flooding, checks for bridge safety and livestock on tracks.