AN investigation has been launched after a train clipped a piece of metal fencing at Birkenhead North station.

The step board of the Merseyrail train clipped the foot of a piece of metal fencing on the edge of one of the platforms at the station at around 5.30am today, Wednesday.

The fencing – believed to have been used to cordon off the construction area of the footbridge, which is currently being built at the station – fell between the platform edge and the empty train.

A spokesman for Merseyrail told the Globe safety is taken extremely seriously and although no incident or accident occurred following the incident, an investigation has been launched.

“This happened as the train was leaving the depot and beginning its journey to Liverpool Central to start a service for Chester from there,” said the spokesman.

“Merseyrail and Network Rail take safety extremely seriously, and the two organisations are investigating why a piece of fencing came to be so close to the platform.”

Some services were cancelled and others were delayed, although all services were back to normal by 7am.

Work on the footbridge began in October and is scheduled to finish in the spring.