Viaduct drama causes chaos on the railways
A MAN who spent almost 24 hours on the viaduct at Stockport has been brought down safely, transport police said.
Train services descended into chaos last Thursday after lines were closed as a result of the incident. Passengers were faced with cancellations and long delays, with no services stopping between Stockport and Manchester.
Emergency services were called to the viaduct just after 5.30am to reports of a man on the tracks.
Specialist police officers, including a trained negotiator, were drafted in to try and talk down the man, who is in his 50s.
AMAN who spent almost 24 hours on the viaduct at Stockport was brought down safely, transport police said.
Train services descended into chaos last Thursday after lines were blocked as a result of the incident.
Passengers were faced with cancellations and long delays, with no services stopping between Stockport and Manchester.
Emergency services were called to the viaduct just after 5.30am on Thursday to reports of a man on the tracks.
Specialist police officers, including a trained negotiator, were drafted in to try and talk the man down.
They were supported by staff from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service.
A spokeman for British Transport Police said the man was finally brought down from the viaduct at around 3.40am on Friday – 22 hours after officers were first called.
The man – who is in his 50s – was detained by officers and ‘taken to a place of safety.’ He did not have any serious injuries.
British Transport Police Chief Insp David Rams posted on Twitter describing what happened as a ‘complex situation’ which involved a ‘110-foot drop and a 10-inch ledge.’
He praised those involved for their efforts.
BTP Superintendent Dave Oram added: “The last 22 hours have been very challenging for all the emergency service personnel on scene – who have made every effort to bring this man to safety as quickly as possible, without risking his life or the lives of those trying to help him.
“We appreciate that this incident has also caused significant disruption and a great deal of frustration for those of you who have attempted to use the rail network in the Stockport area - and we would like to thank you for your patience and goodwill.”
BTP’s Greater Manchester Twitter account posted on Friday: “Yesterday’s trespass incident at #Stockport is now thankfully resolved.
“We would like to thank the public for their support and understanding as we tried to bring the man to safety as quickly as we could.”
Normal rail services were resumed on Friday morning.
Manchester Piccadilly tweeted: “Normal service has been restored between Manchester Piccadilly and Stockport after the trespasser was safely removed by the emergency services overnight.
“Thank you for your understanding yesterday and again, apologies for the disruption it caused to your travel plans.”