COMMUTERS faced major disruption today when a freight train derailed near Mirfield.

Rail company First North-western provided replacement bus services as trains between Wakefield and Huddersfield were forced to stop running.

The freight transporter was travelling between the Lindsey oil refinery at Killinghome near Grimsby and Ashton, Manchester.

Three of its coaches derailed as it was turning off the main line into Healey Mills Yard between Mirfield and Wakefield at 4.34am.

Investigators from Network Rail are trying to find out what caused the accident as well as the extent of the damage to the track.

Train bosses were unable to say when the line would reopen.

A spokesman for First North-western said: "We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused by this incident and are trying to minimise any disruption to them."

Bus services will run until trains start running.

Details of any changes to rail services can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.firstnorthwestern.co.uk or by ringing 08457 484950.