Train disruption continues after burst pipe

Rail services between Manchester and West Yorkshire remain disrupted for the fourth consecutive day after a burst water main, Network Rail has said.

A bridge in Audenshaw, Manchester, was compared to a "waterfall" following a major leak that started on Thursday.

United Utilities says it had stopped the flow of water, enabling Network Rail engineers to start repairs.

Travellers in Manchester and West Yorkshire have been urged to check timetables.

Trains cannot run between Manchester Piccadilly, Rose Hill and Hadfield, as well as Stalybridge and Leeds via Guide Bridge, Network Rail said.

Services between Manchester and Yorkshire have been disrupted since Thursday

Network Rail said journeys could take longer and passengers may have to take rail replacement buses.

It said that Bessemer Street bridge had "become a waterfall" after flooding caused by a water pipe, which burst near Fairfield station on Thursday.

"Thousands of gallons of fast flowing water have fallen from the railway above into the road below, flooding it and washing away mortar inside the structure," a Network Rail representative said.

They added that the bridge was damaged and that more than three miles (5km) of railway had also been flooded.

Lisa Milner, Network Rail's North West route operations manager, said "the aftermath of more than 5km of railway being underwater for over two days was only revealed when the water subsided".

She apologised for the disruption and said the company was "working as fast as we can" to repair the damaged bridge.

Drone footage captured the extent of the railway flooding.