AN investigation was under way today after two coupled trains split apart travelling past the village of Tollerton, near Easingwold.

Passengers escaped unharmed after the automatic braking system brought the units, part of a single service, to a controlled stop.

The incident happened at about 3.30am yesterday on the 2.10am service from Newcastle to Manchester Airport.

Ray Price, managing director of Arriva Trains Northern, said: "The brakes were automatically applied to all units, which then came to a standstill.

"Our driver followed the correct procedure and informed the signaller and control centre and the trains were moved on as quickly as possible.

"The safety features which operated ensured that there was a controlled halt and at no time was anyone at risk. A full investigation is under way."

Meanwhile, passengers in North Yorkshire faced more misery today following news of price rises on Britain's rail network.

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), which announced the figures, defended the price hikes, insisting that the average rail fare rise nationally was 2.5 per cent - or just below the current inflation figure.

Fares on some GNER East Coast services will increase by 2.9 per cent, with a standard open return ticket from York to London rising from £130 to £134.

Saver fares on the same route will increase from £63,60 to £63.90. A GNER spokesman said: "These are not big changes. Our Apex and day return fares will not be increased."

Meanwhile, more than half of the fares set by Arriva Trains Northern will remain unchanged following a review by the company.

Regulated fares will increase by 0.5 per cent and unregulated fares will increase by 1.2 per cent.

Mr Price said: "Within the rail industry, all train operators generally review their fares at this time of year. We believe the increases are moderate.

"Indeed, the majority of our fares remain unchanged and those that will change will, on average, increase by less than the rate of inflation."

Rail Passengers Council chairman Stewart Francis said: "Performance has remained so poor on many routes that passengers can see little justification for price rises."

Updated: 12:29 Thursday, December 19, 2002