Travel warning as 'unexpected' strikes cause cancellations to Eurostar and Eurotunnel services

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Christmas holiday travels were thrown into chaos for thousands of people on Thursday, as train services across the Channel came to a halt because of an unexpected strike in France.

The strike affected Eurostar, which operates passenger services between London St Pancras and different parts of Europe, and the vehicle-carrying trains service, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.

The industrial action has led to the cancellation of at least 24 Eurostar trains. To add to the situation, the M20 motorway between Junctions 8 and 9 had to be temporarily closed due to the suspension of Eurotunnel services, says Kent Police. READ MORE: He killed a 'selfless' gran just three years ago - and has not learned from his mistakes READ MORE: Greater Manchester hospital slammed after tragic baby died when nurses switched OFF alarms monitoring her As an "emergency measure", this allows lorries heading for Europe to line up on the unused part of the motorway, which will help lessen the impact on Kent's other roads.

In a statement, Eurostar said: "Due to unexpected strike action by Eurotunnel staff, services are currently not able to proceed through the Channel Tunnel until mid-afternoon at earliest." There were several trains already halfway to the Channel Tunnel before they had to turn back.