A TRAIN spilled 900 litres of diesel across the East Coast Main Line after a leak.

More than 150 passengers had to get off the Cross Country service at Darlington station after the fault appeared during the journey from Durham.

Fire crews and police were called to the town centre station at 10.20am yesterday, and the train was taken out of service.

Witnesses said smoke was billowing from under one of the coaches, but railways staff said the leak posed no danger to the public.

Platform One was closed until 12.40pm, when the empty train was moved out of the station for repairs.

The incident caused minor delays, and passengers were able to board alternative trains soon after.

Jim Gardner, a 34-year-old musician from Stockton, was on his way into the station when two fire engines arrived.

He said: "We saw the appliances and the police arrive just as we were walking in from the car park.

"The firemen did not need their hoses or anything, and By Neil Macfarlane neil.macfarlane@nne.co.uk there was no panic. Someone was underneath the train fixing the leak."

Kevin Blair, the station's team leader, said the Dundee to Plymouth train's fuel tank had been damaged.

"When the train left Durham station, it was fine, but something then pierced the tank.

"It could have been a stone or a piece of metal or a branch that has bounced up and hit the tank.

"All the passengers got off the train, and passengers for York and Leeds were able to board one of four services shortly afterwards.

"The rest went on the 10.58am Cross Country service.

"Smoke was coming from underneath one of the coaches and the driver could smell diesel.

"There was no danger to the public because it was diesel, rather than petrol."

A Cross Country spokeswoman said: "It is one of those things that happens. We are pleased that procedures were followed and there was no disruption for passengers.

"Most passengers were able to continue their journeys within 30 minutes, with a maximum delay of 45 minutes."