UPDATE: Trains are now running normally again following repairs

A tree has fallen on the railway line between Bolton and Lostock and has closed all lines due to the damage caused.

Trains will divert via an alternative route, which means that services may be cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes.

Northern and TransPennine Express services may also be cancelled to ease congestion caused by trains using an alternative route.

Major disruption is expected until the end of service.

Passengers between Bolton and Wigan Wallgate are advised against travelling. Services between Rochdale and Blackburn will call additionally at Kearsley, Farnworth and Moses Gate. Services between Liverpool Lime Street and Blackpool North will call at Layton.

Ticket acceptance is in place with TransPennine Express, Metrolink and TfGM buses, and road replacement buses are also in operation.

TPE say that passengers can use Northern, Avanti West Coast and Metrolink to complete their journey.