Northern receives threatening message amid major rail disruption

The train operator, which runs services across Lancashire, received the message following a major power failure on Thursday afternoon at 1.40pm on Thursday which affected train services across the North West.

The outage impacted the Manchester Rail Operating Centre, which controls rail services across north-west England, causing widespread disruption.

In response to the abuse, a Northern spokesperson said: “We understand that disruption on the railway can be frustrating and we will always do all that we can to help every customer that comes to us – unless they talk to us like this.

“This will not be tolerated and is not acceptable.

“Treat others with kindness and respect, you will see that people are much happier to help.

“This is abusive and threatening.

“You have been reported. Be kind.”

The hateful message said: “Your trains are so s*** they can’t even store oil on the engines.

“I’m simply trying to get to work and you f*** my entire morning up. [redacted] you all you bunch of f****** rats. You’re lucky I don’t know where any of you live”

Northern issued a ‘do not travel’ notice on Thursday afternoon (August 6), which remained in place until 10am on Friday.

Passengers are being advised to check before they travel as some routes may still be cancelled or heavily amended.

Northern is reminding passengers that while travel disruptions are frustrating, abusive language and threats toward staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances.