The line was closed between Bury and Victoria

The Metrolink line was closed between Manchester Victoria and Bury on Friday evening.

A spokesman said there had been damage to the signalling and communications system in the Crumpsall area.

The Bury line was expected to remain closed in both directions for the rest of the evening.

The problems started at about 1645 GMT when the communications system - which covers CCTV, the driver's radio system and signalling - failed.

The spokesman said: "We have had to suspend all services and have implemented emergency procedures to get all the vehicles back into the depot.

"We have no idea how long it will take to fix the problem as fibre optic cabling is involved.

"We are not expecting any miracles this evening so we are asking passengers to make alternative plans for getting home tonight."