TRAIN travellers were delayed by 'slippery rails' today, apparently caused by the wrong type of moisture on the lines.

GWR tweeted that a line towards Swindon from Gloucester was 'blocked' this morning because of slippery rails and replacement road transport was laid on.

Although the issue was resolved comparatively quickly there was disruption to services which only eased this afternoon.

A spokesman for GWR said: "Network Rail would have to explain what was wrong with the track - we operate services but aren't responsible for the track or the condition that it's in.

"A GWR service was delayed by a freight service, but I am not aware if that was because it had broken down or was affected by rail conditions."

Network Rail said: "A freight train travelling from Llanwern to Swindon failed near Kemble at around 10am this morning.

"Up services on to Swindon and Paddington were held or diverted as a rescue engine was sent and the freight train was back on the move at 11.46."

A spokesman for Network Rail said 'poor railhead conditions' were to blame, adding: "No reason to believe it was anything other than moisture."