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Trains into Manchester cancelled due to ‘trespasser’ falling onto railway tracks from bridge near Birchwood

A ‘trespasser’ who fell from a road bridge has led to a busy rush-hour service into Manchester being cancelled this morning.

Trains between Liverpool and Manchester have been delayed by almost an hour after a person was reported to have been hit by a train near Birchwood, near Warrington.

However, the British Transport Police later confirmed that a man had suffered serious leg injuries after falling from a bridge.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “We were called shortly before 7.10am on Friday June 20 to reports of a body on the line near to Birchwood rail station, near Warrington.

“Our officers attended, alongside colleagues from North West Ambulance Service, and discovered a 39-year-old local man had fallen from a nearby road bridge and sustained serious injuries to his legs.

“The man, who was assessed at the scene, has been taken to Wythenshawe Hospital for further treatment.

“The incident is not currently being treated as suspicious.”

Network Rail, First Transpenine Express and Northern Rail all reported delays to services into Manchester. Numerous trains were cancelled. 

Northern Rail said: “The injured person at Birchwood is now in the care of the ambulance service. All lines are now open.”

Lines are now back open following delays of around 53 minutes, though residual delays are still expected as services return to normal.

Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.

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