Escaped dog causes Wirral line delays

Apr 16 2008 by Liam Murphy

Merseyrail train (320)

HUNDREDS of rail users were left stranded temporarily this morning when a dog escaped and ran into the tunnel between Hamilton Square and James Street stations.

Reports of the dog on the Wirral line were first made around 10am when the dog was spotted near Birkenhead Park Station.

Drivers were given warnings to proceed with caution in the area and a dog warden called to try and catch it, leading to slight delays as trains moved more slowly in the area.

However, an hour and a half later the dog was found electrocuted on the live third rail inside the rail tunnel which links Wirral with Liverpool.

Rudi Boersma, spokesman for Merseyrail Electrics, said they had no idea whether the dog had jumped from a platform or got on to the tracks another way, but it had travelled some considerable distance along the railway line.

He said: "Somehow, presumably panic-stricken, the dog ran into the tunnel at Hamilton Square. It must have stepped on the third rail and was electrocuted in the tunnel.

"I don’t know if the owner is aware, but I’m sure the dog warden will try and track them down and tell them what happened."

Train services began to get back to normal by 12.30pm.