The Bittern Line has been re-opened after major disruption to services this morning caused by two horses escaping and wandering on the rails.

Replacement bus services were laid to ferry passengers between North Walsham and Sheringham after the horses were spotted on the line, south of Cromer.

The knock-on consequences for stock and staff meant Norwich to Yarmouth services were also affected and buses were also used to replace train services between the two.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: 'We received reports of two horses on the railway line between Roughton Road and Gunton stations at 7.45am this morning. Network Rail staff attended, along with the horses' owners, and the line was closed until the animals were safely removed.

'An investigation of local boundary fences found there were no gaps and the line reopened at 10.50am.'

At one point during this morning's chase, four women, carrying a bridle and a bucket, plus two Network Rail staff, were seen running down the rail line below the Norwich Road bridge on the outskirts of Cromer.

Network Rail received a call at 7.45am reporting two loose horses on the Bittern Line between the stops at Roughton Road and Gunton.

At least one is still believed to be loose, near the Norwich Road bridge, at Cromer. Four women, one carrying a bridle, and two Network Rail staff were spotted on the line below in pursuit of the animal or animals at about 10.30am.

The line between North Walsham and Sheringham is closed and buses have been laid on for passengers while the horses are rounded up.

The incident has had a knock-on affect on staff and stock between Norwich and Yarmouth where buses are also being used to replace rail services.