Trains through Bolton faced disruption this morning after reports of trespassers on the line near Lostock.
Services were stopped, with some cancelled as a result and emergency services called.
A spokesperson for BTP said: “British Transport Police were made aware that a person was trespassing on the line between Bolton and Lostock Junction this morning at 0929 (31st December 2024).
“Officers attended the site and services were stopped temporarily while a search for the individual was underway.
“Services have now been fully resumed.”
British Transport Police have issued a warning about the dangers of trespassing.
READ MORE: UPDATES: Major disruption on trains in Bolton due to ‘trespassers’
Why Bolton railway station has a high pitched noise
Bolton police crack down on transport crime
BTP Chief Inspector James Mitchell said: “We see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway every year, resulting in tragic consequences or life-changing injuries.
“Both outcomes are avoidable.
“People should never anticipate when the next train is due – particularly as freight services can run at any time of day or night and travel at high speed.
“Our network of uniformed and plain-clothed police officers, and CCTV cameras, monitor the railway 24/7 – we will actively pursue and take positive action against those who fail to comply with the simple instruction not to trespass.”
Blackpool North to Manchester Airport services were affected between Bolton and Preston as were Manchester Oxford Road to Southport services between Bolton and Wigan Wallgate, in both directions.
Northern Rail have said that all lines have now reopened just before 11am but disruption continued until11:30am.
They said: “Following trespassers on the railway at Lostock all lines have now reopened.
“Train services running through this station are returning to normal but some services may still be delayed or revised.”
All services between Bolton and Preston and Bolton and Wigan Wallgate were back on track.