Rail operator apologies after chaos on the rails today

The line between Salford Crescent and Kearsley re-opened fairly quickly after the fault was reported, but delays lasted into the afternoon.

Numerous services were also delayed in the chaos.

Read more: Northern announces timetable changes due to planned engineering works

A spokesperson for Northern, said: “Just after 6am this morning, one of our trains suffered a mechanical fault between Salford Crescent and Kearsley.

(Image: Network Rail) “This affected services from Manchester Airport to Barrow-in-Furness and Blackpool North, as well as those between Rochdale and Clitheroe, and Stalybridge and Southport.

“Engineers attended the train and the line re-opened at 10.30am. We apologise to customers whose journeys were affected.”