The partial collapse of a bridge has caused major disruption to train services in Britain.

Trains between London, the East Midlands and northern England have been affected.

It has resulted in services being cancelled or delayed and passengers being advised to use replacement buses to get to their destinations.

It follows the collapse of a large section of bricks from a bridge onto rail tracks in Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, late Monday night.

This halted train services between Leicester and Loughborough.

East Midlands Trains said Network Rail teams had been working through the night to remove the debris and make the area safe.

But by Tuesday afternoon the train operator said: "As it stands we do not expect the line to reopen today."

It has advised passengers to use alternative routes to avoid disruption on the London St Pancras to Nottingham and Sheffield line and between Leicester, Lincoln and Grimsby.

Network Rail added: "A full investigation will take place into the cause of the collapse, but our priority today is to return rail services as soon as possible although disruption is likely to last all day."

Angry commuters vented their frustrations on social media.

One person wrote on Twitter: "In huge queue in Loughborough for a replacement coach to Leicester, which is here but can't take the number of people waiting. Tuesday."

Another tweeted: "I have meeting all day from 11:30. East Midlands trains have basically told me I will be going on a 'bear hunt' to get to my destination."

One commuter wrote: "All trains to #sheffield from #london are cancelled - so I am detouring home."