Morning peak-hour train evacuated over passenger threats

Passenger threats led to the evacuation of a train at North Richmond station this morning, while a track fault wreaked havoc with several peak-hour City Loop services.

Train havoc hits peak-hour commuters. Picture: Ian Currie

Passenger threats sparked the evacuation of an inner-Melbourne train this morning, while a track fault caused havoc for City Loop commuters.

A man made threats on a train at North Richmond station about 7.30am, police said, but a spokeswoman could not specify what they were about.

The train was evacuated as a safety precaution, while the man fled and remains on the run.

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⚠️ Mernda/Hurstbridge lines: Delays clearing after an earlier @VictoriaPolice request near North Richmond.

Services have also resumed via the City Loop after an earlier equipment fault near Southern Cross.

Check platform displays and listen for announcements. pic.twitter.com/EubqjJT9f1

— Metro Trains (@metrotrains) February 25, 2019

3AW reported the threats were terror-related.

The incident caused major delays on Mernda and Hurstbridge lines but these cleared shortly before 8am.

Witnesses are being asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The evacuation drama followed a track fault near Southern Cross station which caused several lines to skip the City Loop, instead heading directly to Flinders St.

The fault began about 6.40am, causing delays for Belgrave, Lilydale, Glen Waverley Pakenham and Alamein lines.

It was fixed about an hour later.