Major disruption on three Greater Manchester train lines ahead of rush hour

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Trains on three routes in and out of Greater Manchester have been either cancelled or delayed this afternoon as a result of separate issues.

A safety inspection of the track means trains are currently unable to run from Manchester Oxford Road towards Warrington and Liverpool Lime Street. "Train services running to and from these stations will be delayed by up to 60 minutes or diverted" train operator Northern said. "Some stations between Manchester Oxford Road and Liverpool Lime Street will not be served" they added. READ MORE: GMP special constable assaulted boy, 7, for spraying him with water - then tried to claim self-defence It is not clear what the issue is but they said track operator Network Rail were due on site shortly to "examine the affected area." There is also disruption on two other lines due to "trespassers on the railway." Some services at Bolton station are being cancelled, or at having to run at reduced speeds.

This is due to a "trespass incident" on the line between Horwich Parkway and Bolton affecting trains in both directions. "Train services running through this station may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised" Northern say, with the disruption expected beyond 3:30pm.

It's understood two trains have been affected so far. Passengers have been advised to "listen for announcements and/or watch the customer information screens for updates to their journeys." Earlier the line between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale was blocked due to what Northern said were trespassers on the railway.