PASSENGERS are facing delays of up to 60 minutes after train lines became blocked between Bolton and Salford Crescent due to damage to overhead wires.

Lines have now reopened between the two stations, however, disruption is expected across the Northern network for the next hour.

The disruption will affect services running across the whole Northern network and trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised; the operator has said.

Rail replacement services and road transport has been ordered for passengers at Bolton, Preston, Blackburn and Wigan North Western stations.

The disruption comes after the lines were blocked earlier today when an object became caught on the overhead electric wires.

Network Rail staff have since removed the object.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “At 2.35pm a train driver reported seeing something hanging from the overhead electric lines near Salford Crescent.

"As a safety precaution trains were stopped while we investigated and a number of services diverted via the Atherton line.

"Network Rail engineers found a piece of plastic string dangling from the overhead electricity cables which was quickly removed and the lines were reopened to trains at 4.01pm.”

Passengers are advised to listen for announcements and check train station information screens for updates.

More to follow...