Power restored to Metrolink network following repairs to overhead lines and hours of disruption

Metrolink say power has now been restored to all parts of the tram network after hours of disruption.

Engineers have repaired damage to overhead lines, which power trams, after working throughout the night and morning, a statement said.

Test trams have successfully passed through affected areas.

Commuters faced disruption on Wednesday morning - and on Tuesday night - by an outage caused by an overhead line fault.

The Manchester Evening New s reported thousands of football fans leaving Old Trafford after Manchester United's game against Brighton were forced to walk either home or into the city centre.

Three lines remained fully or partially suspended today over the morning rush-hour.

Metrolink, in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, said services were now starting to run again on disrupted parts on the network including East Didsbury and Altrincham, where a full line suspension was in place.

"Some delays will remain until a full service is restored and ticket acceptance will be in place until then," added the statement.

"Passengers are still encouraged to check before they travel by visiting the dedicated travel information page or Metrolink social media channels for more information.

"Damaged equipment will now be assessed as part of investigation work underway to identify the underlying cause of fault."

Alex Cropper, Head of Operations at Ttransport for Greater Manchester, issued an apology.

It was later confirmed that a 'major power loss' in the Trafford area caused the issues.

"I would like to reiterate our apologies to everyone whose journeys were affected by the issues on Metrolink, both last night and today.

"Engineers have successfully repaired the damage to overhead lines after working throughout the night