Broken railway track disrupts trains across the country

Network Rail hopes to repair the cracked rail overnight

Train services across the country have been cancelled due to a broken piece of track outside Manchester Piccadilly.

Network Rail said one of six lines into the station was closed affecting services to Birmingham, Manchester Airport and London.

Passengers vented their frustration at more problems on the railways after Northern's timetable changes in the summer caused "carnage".

Network Rail apologised and said it hoped to have the rail fixed overnight.

In a statement, it said four of the six lines would be closed through the night to fix the problem.

Passengers have been advised to check before they travel.

An hourly bus journey has replaced the service from Piccadilly to Manchester Airport.

Tickets are being accepted on the Metrolink between the airport and Manchester Piccadilly and also on Transpennine Express services.

Passengers have been advised to check before they travel

Virgin cancelled some trains to London and the following routes have been affected:

A full list of routes affected can be found on the National Rail website.

Passengers have taken to Twitter to vent their frustration, with one saying the service was a "constant disappointment" and another suggesting they return to the days of Richard III and "fast horses"