Passengers face new disruption as first of four UK-wide rail strikes begins

Train operators turn to contingency staff but fewer than half of services are expected to run

Another day of blighted rail services has begun in Britain as RMT members at 14 train operating companies take part in the first in a wave of four 24-hour strikes.

Commuters across England are broadly the hardest hit by the latest action. Passengers have been urged to check before travel and in some places to take a train only if absolutely necessary, with most affected operators running final services by early evening.