9am Briefing: Thousands facing delays after train derails in Princes Street Gardens

THOUSANDS of commuters were facing delays today after a train derailed in Princes Street Gardens and an investigation was launched by rail bosses.

The passenger train, which was empty at the time, was travelling from Cowdenbeath to the depot at Waverley Station when it came off the tracks at around 6pm yesterday.

The derailed train is due to be removed overnight, with heavy lifting equipment being brought in.

• EDINBURGH Zoo has reportedly sold just 30 tickets for a planned live animal postmortem.

The "distasteful" show was heavily criticised by animal charities when it was announced earlier this month.

Organisers had hoped to sell 100 of the 20 tickets for the event, scheduled to take place on August 23.

• UTILITY giant Centrica faced more public outrage today after reporting 1.3 billion in half-year profits – including 270 million for its residential arm British Gas – just weeks after announcing a price hike.

Centrica said adjusted operating profits in the six months to June 30 at British Gas fell by 54 per cent compared with the same period last year as it battled with a 30 per cent increase in wholesale gas prices and lower consumption.