Major train delays due to naked man on tracks

Authorities at the Lille-Flandres station were forced to cut the electric current to the rails - not only to protect the man, but also to allow the police to search for him - and stopped all trains in and out of the station at prime commuter travelling time.

The naked man reportedly began playing a game of ‘hide and seek’ with the police as they searched for him, and was able to escape without being caught, reported local newspaper La Voix Du Nord.

Trains cautiously began to move again, although some are still operating with an hour’s delay or more.

Travellers took to Twitter to express their frustrations with the delays, especially as commuters were not initially told how long they would be waiting.

Photos on social media show the entire station brought to a standstill, with hundreds of passengers waiting around inside, waiting for news and services.

Circulation toralement interrompue pour une durée indéterminée pour cause de présence d'un individu sur les voies à #LilleFlandres. pic.twitter.com/flqh10KvEN

— Cyclo Castor (@Cyclocastor) September 6, 2017

The naked man, who caused the problem in the first place, has still not been caught, and police are searching for him, although it is thought that he is no longer in danger or at risk of disrupting future travel.