Railway line between Liverpool and Manchester closed by fire
The railway line between Liverpool and Manchester has been closed because of a fire in Warrington, police have said.
A fire was reported at a garage beneath the railway bridge in Marsh House Lane, Birchwood, at 17:00 BST.
Reports that the premises might contain cylinders led to a 200m cordon being established and those houses within it being evacuated.
A Network Rail spokesman said the line could remain closed for 24 hours, but alternative services would be provided.
Those alternative services include replacement buses and diverted trains, which Network Rail said will be increased to cope with rush hour on Friday.
The main route affected runs to and from Manchester Picadilly station. Services to and from Manchester Victoria station were not expected to be affected.
A rest centre for people from the evacuated houses has been established at Warrington Rugby Club.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-14333943