Southern Rail: Major train disruption ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion match

National Rail said a trespass incident meant all lines were blocked earlier today (Wednesday, September 18).

Southern Rail reported at 5.30pm that – whilst lines had reopened near Brighton – they had to be closed once again after the emergency services were called to another person on the tracks.

Disruption is now expected until 9pm, at the earliest.

"Multiple incidents in the Brighton / Worthing / Barnham area means all lines are disrupted,” a National Rail spokesperson said.

"As a result, trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.

“Major disruption is expected until 21:00.”

Trains to Falmer station are among those affected. Brighton and Hove Albion are due to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Amex Stadium this evening (19:45 KO).

Explaining the earlier incident further, a spokesperson said: “Southern had a report earlier this afternoon that a person was on the track near Lancing Station. Network Rail responders have thoroughly checked the area and confirmed there is nobody present, so trains can now run at their normal speeds.

“Trains are, however, now disrupted by a trespass incident at Brighton, mainly affecting the route via Lewes, but also leading to some other delays. Staff are working with Network Rail and the emergency services to deal with this.”

The route(s) affected are: all Gatwick Express routes to / from Brighton; all Southern routes to / from Brighton and Thameslink services between Brighton and Bedford / Cambridge.

“Earlier today, a trespass incident was reported between Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea,” a National Rail spokesperson said.

"Southern have now been advised of another trespass incident ongoing in the Brighton area, and a communication alarm being activated on a train at Angmering earlier.

“Trains across this part of the network are likely to be disrupted.

"Southern services between Brighton and Lewes are currently unable to move as the route is blocked.

“Southern do not have an exact estimate for the delays.” Trains were temporarily unable to serve London Road Brighton, Moulsecoomb or Falmer stations – but were back on the move shortly before 5pm.

The spokesperson added: “Where possible, on the Seaford route, shuttle trains will run between Lewes and Seaford.

"On the route between Brighton and Eastbourne / Ore, there will be ad hoc changes, and some trains will not complete their full journeys. In particular, some trains will be cancelled on the part of the route between Brighton and Lewes.

"Southern services via Worthing will be delayed, especially heading westbound

"Please leave at least 20 minutes of extra time for your journey.

"Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services between Brighton and Haywards Heath may be delayed.

“Please leave at least 20 minutes of extra time for your journey. Also, some late-running trains may not stop at all the usual stations en route.”

Those waiting on a train which is delayed between stations were told not to leave ‘unless you are asked to do so’.

"Other trains may still be moving in the area, and the track is also a very hazardous environment,” National Rail added.

"In areas where the trains are powered by an electric third rail, this usually stays live and dangerous during incidents, and looks the same as other rails.”

You can use your ticket at no extra cost interchangeably between Southern and Thameslink in the Brighton area and on Brighton & Hove Buses between Brighton and Lewes / Seaford / Eastbourne.

You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.