A Eurostar train has broken down inside the Channel Tunnel after suffering “traction problems” due to heavy snow.

A spokesman for Eurotunnel said a rescue engine had towed the train out of the tunnel.

The train had restarted its journey at 10.35am, and arrived in Ashford, Kent, shortly after if it encountered no further problems.

Another train, the 8.07 from Paris to London, had been stuck for a similar time period outside the tunnel in France, he said.

It is not known yet why the train broke down, but further details are expected to be released this afternoon.

A number of trains have sine been cancelled because of freezing temperatures, and the company was forced to offer full refunds or exchanges to all passengers due to travel today who wished to change their tickets.

A spokesman said passengers should check in as normal, but warned that services could be subject to cancellation or delay.

The latest breakdown comes weeks after hundreds of Eurostar passengers were stranded in the tunnel for hours when five trains were unable to move because of electronic malfunctions caused by the snow.