Big cat sighting in Yorkshire leaves passengers locked on train

There are many reasons why your train journey can be delayed at this time of year it’s normally caused by leaves on the line, however passengers travelling to and from Shepley in West Yorkshire found they were delayed because of a sighting of a lion on the line.

Reports from members of the public of the big cat or possible cub in the area caused the delays as officers searched the area using a police helicopter, train services were resumed after nothing was found. In total passengers were delayed for only 17 minutes before the search was stopped at around 3.30pm. Investigations into the incident were continuing, according to a spokesman for West Yorkshire Police last night.

Network rail also issued a statement stating that one train service was delayed for 17 minutes while police carried out the search. The spokeswoman said: “There were slight delays to services because of the alleged sightings of a lioness and her cub.”

According to Inspector Carlton Young, of West Yorkshire Police the search would be resumed if there were any more reports.
Passengers were kept up to date with the goings on with National Rail Enquiries stating on their Twitter feed: “Passengers are currently unable to alight from trains at Shepley due to reports by police of a lion in the area.”

It’s not the first time police have been scrambled this year due to a big cat sighting, in May Police received several calls reporting sightings of the tiger in a field near Hedge End, Southampton. A police helicopter was scrambled and a golf course cleared after a white tiger was spotted by members of the public. However this tiger turned out to be a stuffed toy!

Picture courtesy of monkeywing

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