ENGINEERS are investigating a fault with overhead wires at Manchester Piccadilly which means fewer trains can run on some lines through the station.

Some services between Crewe, Manchester Airport, Blackpool North, Liverpool, Cumbria and Scotland will be disrupted today, Friday, January 26, while work takes place to identify the issue and plan repairs to equipment.

Phil James, North West route director, said: "I am so sorry for the delay to passengers travelling to and through Manchester Piccadilly station yesterday and today.

"Our engineers are working hard to find the root cause of this fault and find a permanent solution as soon as possible. Please check National Rail Enquiries for travel updates."

Despite overnight work to identify and fix some faults discovered in the area, a problem with the overhead wires which provide power to electric trains has persisted.

Train operators have made changes to their timetables for services affected. Passengers are advised to check nationalrail.co.uk and with their train operator for specific journey details.

Platforms 13 and 14 are some of the busiest at Manchester Piccadilly station, taking passengers from Crewe and Manchester Airport into Salford, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria and Scotland.

Specialised drones are being used to assist in the search for the fault. Engineers will continue to work around the clock until power can be fully restored to the affected section of overhead wires.