Greater Anglia train
Greater Anglia apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the dog Greater Anglia

A UK train network suffered significant disruption when a train got caught behind a loose dog for nine miles of track on Sunday (30 April).

Greater Anglia services between Norwich and Great Yarmouth were temporarily suspended after the stray canine strolling down the track refused to budge.

The offending animal led a passenger train all the way from Acle, which is between Norwich and Great Yarmouth, and Great Yarmouth.

Despite the train crew's best efforts to shoo the dog away from the track, it persisted to continue its leisurely journey all the way to train's coastal final destination.

It then disappeared and hasn't been accounted for since.

The train was 56 minutes late, according to the Eastern Daily Press. However, the knock-on effect was more severe.

The 10.45am from Norwich to Great Yarmouth and the 11.22am from Great Yarmouth to Norwich were both cancelled.

A spokeswoman for Greater Anglia said: "We apologise to passengers. People affected will be able to claim on our Delay Repay scheme." She also warned dog owners against the dangers of allowing their pets off leads near train lines.

A tweet by the operator at the time of the incident read: "11:22 Great Yarmouth to Norwich & 10:45 Norwich to Great Yarmouth will be cancelled due to a dog on the track."

Twitter users failed to see the funny side of the incident. One said: "That is a lame excuse! Chase it off." Another added: "Worse [worst] excuse since leaves on line."

Dog on track