UK train cancelled after 'freeloader' squirrel refuses to get off

Train services in the UK were disrupted because of a squirrel that refused to leave a train.

The incident caused delays of up to 30 minutes on the line between Romford and Upminster in Essex.

The squirrel was first spotted on the train at around 7:30am on Tuesday morning. It is believed to have boarded the train at Gidea Park station.

The squirrel refused to leave the train, even after being offered food by passengers.

The train crew were eventually forced to call the RSPCA, who attended the scene and removed the squirrel.

The incident caused delays of up to 30 minutes on the line between Romford and Upminster.

A spokesman for Greater Anglia said: "We apologise to our customers for the delay this morning.

"The safety of our passengers is our top priority, and we had to call the RSPCA to ensure the squirrel was removed safely."

The RSPCA said the squirrel was "a little scared and confused" but was otherwise unharmed.

It has since been released back into the wild.