TransPennine Express says trains are "unable to run safely" due to a failure of the communication systems on the network from a Network Rail power failure in the Greater Manchester and North West area.

The operator says no trains or replacement buses are running and passengers are strongly advised not to travel as it adds disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Passengers can apply for refunds at their point of purchase and those already travelling are able to use their tickets at no extra cost on Friday or across Metrolink, Northern, CrossCountry and LNER services as well as Bee Network buses.

Image source, National Rail

In a video shared on social media, National Rail advises customers to "allow extra time", explaining that they may need to use alternative routes or change trains partway through their journey.

Here's a reminder of the routes impacted.

It says "ticket acceptance" arrangements are in place to help customers complete their journeys - it advises looking at the National Rail website for a full list of options.

Operators Northern Railway and TransPennine Express are advising no travel, the video says.

Transport for Wales customers can use rail replacement buses between Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Piccadilly at no extra cost, it adds.

Image source, Getty Images

National Rail says the ongoing electrical failure is impacting rail services in the Midlands, Greater Manchester and north-west of England, however, disruption is likely to spread much further.

Stations like Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly serve as major rail hubs for routes connecting wider areas of the UK.

National Rail is advising that additional train operators may be affected by disruption and has urged customers to check their whole journey before travelling.

West Midlands Railway, however, says it's currently reporting "normal service" on routes.

National Rail also advises passengers to retain their tickets, regardless of delays, as they may be eligible for compensation.

We've just had the following update from the Bee Network:

"Due to a power failure at the Manchester Rail Operating Centre (ROC), there is major disruption on the rail network across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and the Midlands.

"Delays and cancellations are expected on all operator routes across Greater Manchester until the end of today (Thursday 6th August). Rail operators have issued a do not travel notice with travel advice and the latest information on the National Rail website.

"Ticket acceptance is in place on all Bee Network buses and Metrolink services across Greater Manchester for rail passengers affected. More information can be found on the TfGM website."

The Bee Network - run by Transport for Greater Manchester - is Greater Manchester's integrated transport system, bringing services such as buses and trams under local public control.

Image source, EPA

London Northwestern Railway (LNR) says there is a power cut at Crewe, causing some of its services to be delayed or cancelled.

It says rail replacement services have been ordered for between Crewe and Liverpool Lime Street.

The initial statement from National Rail, announcing the disruption, said there had been a "failure of the electricity supply at a communications centre", without specifying where.

If your journey has been affected by the ongoing transport disruption across the Midlands and north-west of England, please do contact us.

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Rowan Bridge
North of England reporter

My colleague and I were due to get a train from Manchester Piccadilly to London at 13:30, only for that to be cancelled. We then felt quite smug, managing to (just) make the earlier 13:14 service.

But we’ve just spent about an hour and a quarter caught up in this disruption.

Our train came to a halt outside of Manchester, then made it to Macclesfield. And then came to another halt.

The conductor allowed people off the service at Macclesfield earlier because it wasn’t clear how long we would be waiting for.

Thankfully we’re back on the move - and appear to be through the worst of it.

According to National Rail, the rail companies impacted by the disruption include Avanti West Coast, East Midlands, Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales.

National Rail has offered the following advice for customers impacted by cancellations and disruption:

• Avanti West Coast - Tickets for cancelled trains are valid for the two previous trains and the one following your cancelled booking. A full refund can be requested
• East Midlands Railway - Liverpool Lime Street / Nottingham / Norwich trains are unable to run between Sheffield and Liverpool Lime Street "until further notice" - other routes are running but may see delays of up to 60 minutes
• Northern - Do not travel, services are unable to run on multiple lines in the North West. Tickets will be accepted on Bee Network services
• TransPennine Express - Tickets are valid on Bee Network services and some CrossCountry, LNER, Metrolink and Northern services - check before travel
• Transport for Wales - Replacement buses to run between Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Piccadilly

National Rail first announced disruption on X at around 14:18 BST, with "disruption in the Greater Manchester area / Midlands / North West of England" expected until at least 16:00.

Soon afterwards, it said the issue was caused by an electricity supply failure at a "communications centre", with disruption expected until the end of the day.

Replying to a customer query a few minutes ago, National Rail said "rail replacement transport has not been arranged at this time".

There is major rail disruption in the Midlands and the north of England due an electrical failure at a communications centre, says National Rail.

It says trains across Greater Manchester, the Midlands and the North West will be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or rescheduled.

The disruption is expected until the end of the day, National Rail adds.

This is a developing story - we'll have more details soon.