ALL trams have been cancelled between Bury and Whitefield for the rest of today after a train derailed on the line.

The specialist weed killing train came off the tracks on the East Lancashire Railway at around 10.30am today, blocking the Metrolink line between Bury and Whitefield stations.

Manchester Metrolink’s Twitter account confirmed that replacement bus services are running between Whitefield, Radcliffe and Bury tram stops.

A TFGM spokesman said: "Metrolink customers are advised that services between Bury and Whitefield will be suspended for the rest of today, because a derailed East Lancs Railway train is blocking the line.

"The train, which is owned by Network Rail but was being operated at the time by JSD Rail, derailed earlier today.

"The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is currently investigating the incident and need to attend the site. Network Rail will recover the vehicle once their initial investigations have been completed. Collectively, this is likely to take several hours. As a result, it is unlikely a full Metrolink service will be restored on this section of the Bury line today.

"Metrolink services are operating between East Didsbury and Whitefield and a full replacement bus service is running between Bury, Radcliffe and Whitefield. Services are expected to run as normal by tomorrow morning, Wednesday 23 March.

"Customers are advised to check www.metrolink.co.uk or @MCRMetrolink on Twitter for updates before they travel.

"Metrolink apologises for any inconvenience caused by this incident, which is outside of our control."