A train which had passed through Wellington was brought to a halt by yobs who obstructed the tracks along the Penzance to Paddington line.

It is understood that ballast stones were thrown onto the track at Norton Fitzwarren on Monday night by a number of youths, causing a train to stop after hitting the debris.

Police were called to the scene at 8.27pm after reports that the train had collided with an unknown entity.

A helicopter from the National Police Air Service was deployed to assist with investigations, which found ballast had been thrown onto the tracks by a group of youth.

The culprits had fled the scene by the time the police arrived.

In a statement confirming the incident, a spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: "Officers were called to the line in Taunton at 8.22pm on April 17, following reports that a train had hit something."

"Following search enquiries at the scene which included the assistance of NPAS (National Police Air Service) it is believed this was ballast thrown onto the tracks by a number of youths who had already left the scene. Enquiries are ongoing."

The driver stopped the train at Taunton station, where it is understood significant delays followed as a result.