A 'suspicious item' has led to severe disruption of rail services across the county.

UPDATE: A controlled explosion has taken place as a precaution and the lines have now re-opened.

Northern announced this morning that services between Preston and Blackpool would be cancelled, with the disruption to end at around 1pm.

A spokesperson said: "Due to a security alert at a station between Blackpool North and Preston all lines are blocked.

"Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 13:00 10/07.

"Services between Blackpool North and Preston will be cancelled due to a security alert at a station."

In a further update at around midday, British Transport Police said they were dealing with a 'suspicious item'.

They said: "We’re currently responding to a report of a suspicious item at Blackpool North. The station is closed as a precaution and a 100 meter corden is in place while specialist officers assess the item. Thank you for your patience."

Train services will terminate and start from Preston 'where possible'.

The York to Blackpool North route, which runs through Burnley Manchester Road, Accrington and Blackburn, is one of the routes affected by the cancellations.

Affected services:
Liverpool Lime Street - Blackpool North

Manchester Airport - Blackpool North

Hazel Grove - Blackpool North

York - Blackpool North