Specialist drones deployed in search as trains cancelled and delayed in major Manchester Piccadilly disruption

Engineers are using specialist drones to try and find a fault with the overhead wires as disruption continues at Manchester Piccadilly train station.

Trains that run through platform 13 and platform 14, some of the busiest platforms at the station, remain delayed or cancelled today (Friday) due to the overhead wire issue. The fault was first identified yesterday, with Northern, TransPennine and Transport for Wales services affected by the disruption.

Network Rail said engineers are 'working round the clock' to fully restore power to the wires. Drones are being used in the search for the fault.

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Phil James, North West route director at Network Rail, apologised for the disruption. He 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."

Services between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport remain disrupted today. Passengers are being urged to check their journey before they travel. Customers can use their train tickets to the airport from other Manchester stations, or on the Metrolink.

The full routes affected are: Northern between Barrow-in-Furness / Blackpool North / Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport: and also between Manchester Piccadilly and Wilmslow / Crewe, TransPennine Express between Edinburgh / Glasgow Central Lancaster / Saltburn / York / Cleethorpes / Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport and Transport for Wales between Holyhead / Llandudno / Llandudno Junction