TRAINS have come to a halt on major routes tonight as emergency services are dealing with an 'incident' on the line between Bolton and Leyland.

The line is currently blocked near Lostock, and major delays are expected between Bolton, Wigan and Preston for the rest of the evening.

Train services running through these stations will be cancelled, delayed or diverted. Disruption is expected until around 7pm tonight.

Dean Butler was on a 16.32 service from Bolton, bound for Southport, when the train came to an abrupt halt. He said: "We left Bolton and around seven minutes later we stopped in the middle of a field.

A staff member came into the carriage and said there's been an accident. We do not know what has happened."

He has since seen an ambulance helicopter near the scene.

Road transport has since been organised by rail bosses, with replacement buses in operation.

Passengers are being advised to listen for announcements or consult Customer Information Screens for up-to-date train running information.

A Network Rail spokesperson for Manchester said: Trains continue to be delayed, diverted or cancelled as emergency services deal with an incident near #Lostock.

"Please check your journey if travelling between #Bolton, #Wigan and #Preston this evening."

Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and British Transport Police have been contacted for more information.