PASSENGERS on board a busy long- distance Virgin Trains service heading for Liverpool were shocked to be told they should sit on the floor for their own safety.

The 10.48am Virgin Train service from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street, on Thursday, was crammed with around 600 commuters.

It was so packed that many were forced to stand in the aisles for the long-distance journey.

Passengers claimed they were first told the train would be diverted, then that it would take the normal route.

They were told this was because of signal cable theft in the Cheshire area which had delayed Virgin services throughout the morning.

A Tannoy announcement informed the stunned commuters that the train was to speed up to make up for lost time, and that anyone standing should sit on the floor.

They said the train manager added that the advice was “for health and safety reasons”.

Ken Gibbs, communications manager of Virgin Trains, said: “Whatever impression may have been given by the announcement, it was not a matter of safety.

“Overcrowding on trains is an issue we take very seriously, and that we are working to reduce.

“But it is more an issue of comfort than of safety.