TWO tram networks were disrupted by the riots across England.

Police in Manchester told Metrolink to withdraw all trams from the streets at about 22.30 on 9 August, and bus services in the city were also suspended at the same time. Violence in Greater Manchester had started in Salford during the afternoon, and spread to central Manchester during the evening.

In addition, tram services in south London may be disrupted for some time between Croydon and Wimbledon, after tracks and overhead lines were damaged on the evening of 8 August by a fire at Reeves Corner, at one end of Croydon town centre.

Transport for London said its engineers had been unable to assess the extent of the damage straight away, because the area was cordoned off as a crime scene. As well as damage to the overhead, the tracks were also affected by the blaze, which badly damaged a furniture store.

Tramlink services remain suspended between East Croydon and Reeves Corner for the time being, but Metrolink services in Manchester returned to normal on the morning of 10 August.

Some London Underground stations were closed because of the earlier riots at the weekend, including Brixton and Tooting Broadway, but no damage to Underground property has been reported and the stations affected later reopened.

No serious problems or damage related to the disturbances was reported on National Rail services.