Trains were brought a standstill at Manchester’s main railway station after workers reportedly left platforms due to a passenger’s verbal abuse.
Services were delayed and rail customers were seen stranded on platforms in the city’s Victoria station amid the chaotic scenes on Thursday night.
Disruption at the busy transport hub was expected until the end of the day, with National Rail confirming there had been a “disturbance” involving passengers.
Regional RMT union organiser John Tilley said on Twitter that staff had “removed themselves from a position of danger” due to “threats and abuse” at the station.
Rush-hour services across Greater Manchester and Lancashire were delayed and Northern and TransPennine Express passengers were expected to be hit with some cancellations, National Rail said.
In statement, it said: “Passengers causing a disturbance at Manchester Victoria earlier this evening has resulted in disruption to trains running through the station.
“Trains may be delayed by up to 30 minutes or cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.”
The Standard has approached British Transport Police for comment.
