The only railway line to the south-west of England has been partially shut until further notice after a sea wall next to it crumbled in a storm.

Great Western Railway (GWR) urged passengers not to attempt to travel on the line between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot due to the damage at Dawlish.

A sea wall protecting the railway line in the town collapsed in two places as Storm Ingrid lashed the south Devon coast on Saturday.

Network Rail had issued a black alert, its highest warning, as 12ft (4m) waves pounded the sea wall.

It is only the second time a black alert has been issued since a storm destroyed sections of the track around Dawlish in February 2014.

In an update, GWR said: “Due to damage caused by Storm Ingrid the lines between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot remain closed until further notice.

“Please do not attempt to travel on this route.

“For those needing to make their journey, replacement transport is available at Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot.

“We will provide an update on any planned service for Sunday after Network Rail has been able to properly inspect the lines and carry out any further repair work.”

GWR said all other routes – including London Paddington to Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot to Penzance – were operating as normal.