A DELIBERATE act of vandalism has been blamed for the partial derailment of a train at the weekend which caused disruption for passengers travelling between Aberdeen and the central belt.

British Transport Police have launched an investigation after it emerged an object had been "intentionally" placed on the tracks at Inverkeilor, Angus.

The front carriage of the 8.04am service from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, carrying 36 people, came off the tracks but remained upright on Sunday, causing two days of delays. The driver, aged 49, suffered minor head injuries.

Detective Inspector Kevin McCormack said: "I want to speak to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area of Inverkeilor between Saturday and Sunday."