Train services resume after major disruption but delays continue

Train services have begun running again through Stockport after damage to overhead electrical wires caused major disruption across the rail network.

An empty Northern train became stranded near Stockport Viaduct shortly after midnight on Friday, blocking the line and forcing the closure of all railway lines through the station.

Six train operators were affected, including Avanti West Coast, Northern and CrossCountry, with services cancelled, diverted or terminating earlier than scheduled.

Shortly after 09:30 BST, Network Rail said engineers had repaired the damage and reopened the lines, but warned passengers to expect further delays and cancellations while services returned to normal.

Photographs showed engineers using an elevated platform to reach the overhead wires as they made repairs.

Clare Waller, Network Rail's area director for Manchester, apologised to passengers, saying they had not received "the service they deserve or expect".

She added: "Our teams have now fixed the damage to the power cables and the railway lines are reopen, but it will take some time still to get train services back to normal."

Earlier, Chris Holpin, from Network Rail, told BBC Radio Manchester that the closure had prevented empty trains from returning to depots overnight, causing knock-on delays.

He warned the timetable would be disrupted for much of Friday but said services were not expected to be affected on Saturday.

Routes affected included services between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston, Sheffield, Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent.

Passengers can use their tickets on alternative train services, Bee Network buses and Metrolink trams while disruption continues, Network Rail said.

Network Rail has urged passengers to check National Rail Enquiries and allow extra time for travel.

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