2000 stuck in Channel Tunnel as cold weather bites

Four trains have broken down in the Channel Tunnel due to cold weather, as snow is expected to cause further disruption in parts of Britain.

The temperature difference between the cold air and warm tunnel caused the trains to break down, Eurostar said.

Passengers from two of the services have been moved to different trains; the other trains are to be pushed out.

More snow and freezing temperatures are expected for parts of Scotland and south-east and eastern England.

More than 2,000 people were trapped in the tunnel and some of the trains were without heating and lighting.

Two further trains travelling from Brussels and Paris heading for the tunnel were turned back.

Passengers from one of the trains have been taken by shuttle to Folkestone where they are waiting for a train to take them on to London.

Eurostar spokesman Bram Smets said: "All the passengers are safe."

The tunnel is currently closed and many travellers are stranded at terminals at either end, where they are waiting to make their crossing.

The Port of Dover is also closed and passengers have been advised not to travel there. Anyone planning to make a journey via the port is advised to contact their travel operator.

Following the closures, Kent Police warned drivers to stay away from the Folkestone and Dover areas of the M20.