THE possible theft or vandalism of cables near to Bolton train station has caused major disruption this evening.

The incident has affected the signalling between Bolton and Lostock stations meaning lines in both directions were shut for a period and are expected to remain slow for the rest of tonight.

Trains are having to be manually guided through the area due to the faulty signalling, however once the last train has gone, repair work will be carried out.

Affected routes are between Manchester Victoria and Blackburn,Clitheroe, Blackpool North; between Huddersfield and Blackpool North and also between Manchester International Airport and Blackpool North and Southport.

Passengers on affected routes are advised that some services may have been cancelled as a result of the disruption.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: "Any vandalism or theft not only costs the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds but delays the public and causes disruption locally."

She added British Transport Police would be looking into the matter.