Metrolink services was brought to a halt in Manchester city centre this evening by an apparent protest.

A small group of people were seen sitting and standing in front of the tram on St Peters Square, with one of them holding what appears to be a camera.

The incident also caused problems on other lines, with delays reported around Eccles, Piccadilly, Deansgate and East Didsbury.

Some passengers tweeted their annoyance at the hold up.

Matt Doran was on the tram.

He posted on Twitter: “Protester sitting on tracks in front of my tram at St Peter’s Square. Move!!! #metrolink @MCRMetrolink.”

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The protesters blocked the tracks outside The Midland Hotel near the roadworks.

They were wearing coats with hoods, and several were carrying large rucksacks.

Metrolink apologised for the delays, responding to some of the tweets.

Lauren Currie was stuck at Deansgate waiting 15 minutes for a tram that said it would be six.

Metrolink replied: “@LaurenC_MCR Sorry. There were some people on the line. They’ve moved now. Thanks for your patience.”