Trains to Manchester have been delayed this afternoon as a busy station was closed after a 'suspicious item' was found on a platform. Services between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly, which operate every hour, are facing disruption after the discovery.
British Transport Police closed Birmingham New Street Station on Monday afternoon (October 31), shortly after 3.30pm, to examine the package which was found on a platform. Disruption was expected throughout the remainder of the evening.
National Rail announced the closure, and warned of 'major disruption' with delays of up to 60 minutes or cancellations to be expected. Numerous services were affected, including the CrossCountry trains between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly.
READ MORE A day on the trains amid daily cancellations, delays and passenger fury
Birmingham New Street was evacuated following the security alert, with all train services in and out of the station stopped. There was a heavy emergency services presence at the scene with nearby roads also cleared.
Birmingham New Street Station tweeted: "TRAVEL ALERT. Birmingham New Street station is currently closed while @BTP inspect a suspicious item found on a platform. Disruption is expected for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening."
The National Rail update said: "There is a security alert at Birmingham New Street. Trains are currently unable to run through this station. As a result of this, trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes. Major disruption is expected until end of the day."
The British Transport Police later issued a statement after the station was evacuated just before rush hour. Passengers were asked to leave the area after a 'suspicious item' was spotted on a platform, the force said.
It comes as further industrial action has been planned, causing travel chaos for train users across the UK next month. Walkouts by members of the RMT union are expected on November 5, 7, and 9.
More information to follow.
READ NEXT:
- Dad accused of murdering baby daughter denies lying to police and insists 'I did not cause these horrible injuries to my little girl'
- Woman took teenage son on revenge mission against her mum after complaining she had been frozen out of family will
- Man went to the doctor with sporadic back pain and gets horrifying diagnosis
- Manchester's lost burger bar loved as much for its cocktails 'paved the way for McDonald's'
- Student, 19, at centre of Fallowfield murder investigation named as family pays tribute to 'bubbly, lively, beautiful boy'
