Tram comes off tracks causing major disruption

Passengers had to get off the tram after it came off the rails by Cornbrook tram stop

Commuters have been warned to expect disruption to a city's tram network this evening as engineers work to get a derailed tram back on the tracks.

It comes after a tram broke down at the Cornbrook interchange before 09:00 BST cutting off Metrolink services from the centre of Manchester to lines towards the south and east of the city region.

Metrolink engineers told BBC Radio Manchester efforts to lift the tram back on will take "until the early evening".

They said specialist equipment and lifting mats would be needed to be brought in to move the tram back on the rails.

Engineers said specialist equipment was needed to fix the tram

Passengers were pictured on the tracks earlier after being asked to leave the station when a small section of the tram came off.

Those affected have been told tickets would be accepted on commercial bus services, and apologised to those whose journey's have been disrupted.

The derailment means there are currently no trams running between the Deansgate Castlefield stop and those in Old Trafford, Firswood, MediaCity and Wharfside.

A Metrolink spokesman earlier said staff were "working hard to resolve this issue as soon as possible".