Services across the region have been delayed and cancelled throughout the day
16:45, 20 Aug 2025Updated 16:47, 20 Aug 2025
Damaged cables near Wigan(Image: Network Rail)
Widespread disruption on the region’s rail network was caused by cables being deliberately cut, it has been revealed.
There was widespread disruption to services in Greater Manchester and the North West this morning due to what was initially described as a ‘signalling problem.’
The issue, which happened on a stretch of the busy West Coast Mainline in Wigan, created widespread issues.
Services run by Northern, TransPennine Express, and Avanti West Coast were either delayed or cancelled, including trains moving running in and out of Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria stations.
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In an update issued this afternoon, Network Rail, who oversee the country’s rail infrastructure, gave more details about what happened, claiming it was in fact the result of ‘criminal damage.’
“We apologise to passengers caught up in the disruption on the West Coast Mainline today” they said on their West Coast Mainline feed on X, formerly Twitter.
Cables were cut in ‘several locations’ Network Rail said(Image: Network Rail)
“Unfortunately, signalling cables have been cut in several locations
“This is criminal damage and the police are investigating.”
A spokesperson for British Transport Police (BTP) said: “Officers were called at around 11.20pm yesterday (19 August) to reports of cable theft at Wigan North Western railway station.
“Enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 using the reference 903 of 19 August.”
Network Rail said there would likely be disruption for rest of Wednesday.
“Fixing and testing the cables will take time – disruption is likely to last the rest of the day” they said.
“We’ll keep working to get trains moving again but please check @nationalrailenq for the latest info.”
Network Rail have previously said that cable theft and damage costs them millions of pounds each year.
“The total cost to the economy – taking into account the impact of freight delays to power stations and supermarkets, and on passengers who miss appointments or have their day ruined – is even higher” they said.