A LARGE number of police vehicles and police activity has been spotted in and around South and West Cumbria as part of a mystery 'transport operation'. 

A number of vehicles have been seen travelling to West Cumbria from the Barrow area and police officers have been stationed at railway stations across South Cumbria. 

The incident is suspected to be linked to the movement of material on the railway line, possibly in connection with the Sellafield nuclear site. Sellafield has not yet confirmed any details. 

In a statement, Cumbria Police said: "We are working with partners as part of a transport operation. Due to the security and safety procedures associated with this operation, no further information will be given at this time."

As of noon, police confirmed their part in the operation had been "completed". Sources told the Evening Mail at 12.15pm that a train is due to arrive in Barrow with nuclear waste onboard.

Sam Wilkinson from the International Nuclear Service said: "I can confirm that International Nuclear Services were involved in this morning's operation. This was a multi-agency operation that was undertaken in close cooperation with key partners including Cumbria Police the Emergency Services and other transport partners.

"Movements like this are approved according to stringent transport regulations using proven transport methods and operational controls.

"As with all our operations, safety and security is our Number 1 priority. To comply with national regulations we can't go into specific details about the operation because it could compromise future movements.

"The transportation of nuclear materials is a tried and tested practice that's been in place for decades without any major incidents. INS has a flawless nuclear safety record stretching back 40 years. We are committed to maintaining that record."