Train operator Eurostar has been criticised for lack of safety measures during the stranding and evacuation of trains in the Channel tunnel before Christmas.

Eurostar services were paralysed and thousands of passengers were caught up in an evacuation debacle.

A statement from Eurotunnel has set out the events of the night of December 18th and has accused Eurostar of numerous failings, which Eurostar has denied.

The Eurotunnel group has denied any blame.

As part of the critical report, Eurotunnel said Eurostar train crews had ignored safety guidelines and allowed passengers to take luggage with them when being evacuated from the stranded trains.

The group said Eurostar trains sent from London to pick up stranded passengers had arrived late, with no food or water on board and no crew.

The tunnel group also said that a commission set up by Eurostar to investigate the problem was not independent.

Eurostar has rejected the criticisms, saying passenger safety had not been put at risk at any time and that the review, which is backed of both British and French governments, will be run by a panel of experts.

Eurostar is a joint venture between the railways of Britain, France and Belgium.

Eurotunnel manages and operates the Channel Tunnel between Great Britain and France.