Longleat Safari and Adventure Park’s miniature train derailed for the second time in three months as it carried children to Santa’s grotto on Sunday.

The rear carriage of the Santa Express at the park left the tracks on Sunday morning, during the first weekend of Longleat’s Christmas season.

Longleat says no one was injured in the incident and all passengers were taken off the train and escorted away. The two train operators on board at the time have been removed from their duties.

In August, six people were hurt when the same train derailed at the Warminster park. One woman was flown to hospital after suffering a broken leg.

A Longleat spokesman said: “At about 11.30am on Sunday, while a train on the miniature railway was reversing towards the station, the rear bogie of the last carriage became detached from the track. The train was travelling at a very low speed. The carriage remained upright.

“All the passengers were safely taken off and escorted away by Longleat staff.

“There were no injuries to passengers or staff.

“As a precaution, the train will not be running while a thorough investigation is carried out, although Longleat is confident there are no technical issues with the train or the track.

“The train was operating during a private event and Longleat has been in full communication with the event organisers.”

Longleat said all the families on board were taken to the Orangery and Santa came down to hand out presents.

The Santa Express will be running a restricted service this weekend. People who have booked Santa Special tickets and are likely to be affected will be contacted by email or phone.

Children who cannot go on the train will be able to visit an additional Santa grotto.