LIVE: Rail lines blocked between Piccadilly and Stockport after reports of 'children on the line'

There is widespread disruption to rail services this afternoon with the line between Stockport and Manchester's Piccadilly Station blocked after reports of 'children on the line.'

British Transport Police (BTP) said a search was currently being conducted after a report of youngsters on lines around Stockport was made at 2:43pm.

According to the National Rail website,all lines are blocked due to the incident near Levenshulme. Trains running through the area may be cancelled, delayed by up to 45 minutes, or diverted they say and that is likely to last until at least 5:30pm.

Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, East Midlands Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales services are all currently affected.

Network Rail's dedicated Manchester Piccadilly Twitter feed posted saying: "Due to trespassers on the line, train services are currently unable to operate between Piccadilly and Stockport. BTP are on site dealing with this incident We apologise for any delay to your journey this afternoon."

This is a breaking news story and we will bring you updates as we get them in our live blog below

National Rail say Northern customers can use the following alternative travel:

Whilst East Midlands Railway customers can use the following alternative travel:

According to the National Rail website, these are the current routes which travel between and through Manchester and Stockport and which are affected by the disruption

Avanti West Coast between London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly.

CrossCountry between Paignton / Bournemouth / Bristol Temple Meads / Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly.

East Midlands Railway between Norwich / Nottingham and Liverpool Lime Street.

Northern between Stoke-on-Trent /