Passengers of a Paris Metro train had to walk down a dark tunnel to safety after their train broke down between stations.

Footage filmed yesterday (July 31) in the French capital shows crowds of passengers climbing from the Ligne 1 train to the tunnel in conditions that travellers described as “hellish”.

The train ceased working between the stations of St Paul and Bastille on the fully-automated route, leaving passengers stranded for up to two hours while they awaited recovery.

Travellers reportedly experienced severe heat in the train after its air conditioning system ceased functioning.