Chorlton tram line suspended by thieves' cable damage

Commuters between Chorlton and the city centre needed to make alternative plans

Services on the new South Manchester Metrolink line were suspended just a day after it opened after thieves attempted to steal overhead cables.

The £1.4bn line extension to St Werburgh's Road, Chorlton, was suspended between 0840 and 1100 BST.

Metrolink said the line was damaged by the attempt to disconnect high voltage cables overnight.

It said that it was working with Greater Manchester Police to investigate the incident.

Philip Purdy, Transport for Greater Manchester's Metrolink director, said: "This incident is extremely disappointing and frustrating and I would like to apologise to passengers for the disruption caused this morning.

"I can assure our passengers that this attempted theft, during which a high-voltage cable was cut, is something we are taking extremely seriously."

The network is also due to expand to Oldham, Rochdale, Ashton, Droylsden and Manchester Airport in the coming years.

There are also plans for a second line to cross Manchester city centre.