STRONG winds have caused Merseyrail trains on the Ellesmere Port line to grind to a halt.

The rail operator says a fallen tree on the line in the Little Sutton area has resulted in services being halted.

Rail replacement bus services have been requested to run between Ellesmere Port and Hooton Stations, while several train services between Ellesmere Port and Liverpool have had to be cancelled.

Due to social distancing regulations, a maximum of 30 people are allowed on each rail replacement bus.