Aircraft movements in northern England and Scotland were temporarily restricted on Monday night after a 40-minute radar “glitch”, air traffic control agency NATS said.

The organisation added all aircraft were accounted for and in voice contact with control towers.

Flights into airports within the Manchester Area Control - north of the Midlands and Scotland - were restricted immediately after the problem emerged at 5.50pm.

The restrictions were partially lifted at 6.30 and a full service is due to resume at 8.15pm.

A spokeswoman said it was unclear how many flights were affected.

She said: “There was a temporary glitch in the radar data processing system.

“We knew where the aircraft were and we were in voice communication throughout.

“As a precaution we restricted the number of aircraft coming into the Manchester area.”