Cross Channel rail operator Eurostar have denied claims that it ignored safety rules and put passengers at risk by taking too long to evacuate travellers from broken down trains.

The accusation was made by Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel who have claimed that safety rules were ignored and that passengers were allowed to recover bags and luggage from trains stranded under the Channel.

During a weekend that saw chaos for travellers across almost all transport links, Eurotunnel have brought notice to what they consider as fundamental mistakes and have absolved themselves of any blame, placing it firmly at the feet of Eurostar. These include allowing passengers to collect their luggage following the evacuation, trains from London arriving late to collect stricken passengers and the investigation not being independent.

Eurostar have denied all the allegations.