Rail freight operator EWS launched an investigation today after the partial derailment of a goods train in Birmingham disrupted commuter services.

Network Rail is also attempting to determine the cause of the incident, which happened on railway arches in Digbeth, shortly after 6am.

Four wagons of the train came off the tracks, striking a retaining wall and showering bricks into a car park adjoining an office building. A car was crushed by the falling debris.

A spokesman for EWS said the derailment happened at low speed as the train neared Birmingham's Moor Street station.

"There were no injuries and a full investigation is going on at the site involving representatives from Network Rail and EWS," the spokesman added.