A train that came off the track, causing major delays to Bradford travellers, had gone through a red light, it was revealed today.

The incident occurred yesterday when the 8.36am Leeds to Manchester Victoria Arriva Trains Northern Service was derailed at Holbeck junction.

A spokesman for the firm said its initial investigation showed the train had failed to stop at a red signal, although it was not yet clear whether this was due to human error or technical difficulties. A fuller inquiry is now underway which would pinpoint whether Arriva or Railtrack, the troubled track maintenance company, was to blame. An Arriva spokesman today said: "Initial technical reports indicate the incident was the result of a train passing through a red signal."

The accident occurred about half a mile from Leeds station while the train was travelling at about 15mph. A Railtrack spokesman said the front set of wheels derailed as they passed over a set of points but all the carriages remained upright.