THE Tarka Line, between Crediton and Barnstaple was closed at about 6pm earlier this evening, Thursday, July 4, due to a tree across the rail line near Eggesford.

Rail passengers on a Barnstaple-bound train stranded at Crediton Railway Station were asked to get off a train to catch a coach or taxi.

The passengers took to Twitter at about 8.30pm after they were told to get back on the train as there were no coaches or taxis available in Crediton.

The passengers, who were still in the carriages at Crediton at 9.15pm tonight, were told they would be taken to St David’s Station at Exeter to then take alternative transport.

GWR Help Point at Crediton Railway Station said: Departures from Crediton - Due to a tree on the line between Exeter St Davds and Barnstaple, the branch is suspended until further notice. For more information please visit GWR.com or tweet @GWRHelp .

ROAD ACCIDENT

In a separate incident, at about 6pm, a road traffic collision occurred on the A377 near The Lodge, Lapford.

The car came to rest on its side and a women was reported to have been taken to hospital.

The A377 was closed due to the accident by police at Lapford and Chulmleigh.

Police manned the road blocks in the area.

Traffic is experiencing difficulties in the area due to the A377 being closed overnight between Copplestone and Morchard Road due to overnight resurfacing works.

Increased traffic was caused through Lapford where Lapford Revel King and Queen crowning, parade and morris dancing in the road was taking place.

Traffic was held up in Lapford due to some of the annual village events.

Further updates as we have them.