Southern Rail: Train lines blocked as emergency services called to assist person on tracks

Emergency services were called to at the railway assisting the person which has caused major disruption to travel.

A Southern Rail spokesperson said: “Whilst lines had reopened near Brighton, lines have had to be closed once again whilst emergency services are back on the railway assisting a person on the tracks.

“This is now causing further travel disruption.”

In an update Southern Rail confirmed that the person had been assisted away from the track.

The spokesperson said: “Emergency services have now assisted the person that was on the railway and helped them to a position of safety.

“All lines have reopened once again and you can continue to use your normal route.

“Depending on the route you are taking, you may experience delays ranging from 15 minutes to 60 minutes.”

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

"As a result, trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised,” a website post read.

Delays are now expected until 8pm this evening.

Trains to Falmer station are among those affected – just before Brighton and Hove Albion are due to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Amex Stadium.

The Southern rail spokesperson added: “We have added further ticket acceptance to help assist you with your journey. A full list can be found here

“Interchangeably between Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express to and from Brighton

“Brighton & Hove Buses between:

“Brighton and Lewes / Seaford / Eastbourne

“Brighton and Preston Park

“Brighton, Hove and Shoreham-by-Sea

“Stagecoach buses on the following routes:

“- 500 between Littlehampton, Barnham and Chichester

“- 700 between Brighton, Worthing, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Chichester and Portsmouth

“South Western Railway services between:

“- Portsmouth and Southampton

“- Portsmouth and Havant

“- on GWR services between Portsmouth and Southampton”

The disruption has also seen multiple delays to services across the county.

The Southern Rail spokesperson added: “Southern services between Brighton and Lewes are being delayed and amended:

"An exact estimate for the delays is not known, but your journey will take at least 45-60 minutes longer than usual. Trains on the Seaford route may run as a shuttle service 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 between Horsham and Barnham have been delayed:

As of 4.30pm, trains which have already been in this area may have delays of up to 15-30 minutes. However, it is expected that further trains should be less severely affected.

“Southern services via Worthing will be delayed:

“Please leave at least 30 minutes of extra time for your journey. Some trains will be held at stations, revised to stop at different stations or cancelled.

“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. If you're waiting on a train which is delayed between stations: If your train is delayed between stations, please remain where you are and listen to announcements, or speak to staff for further information. We'll get you moving as soon as possible. We're aware of your location, and our teams will be doing everything they can to help you continue your journey. Please don't leave the train 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. 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.”

Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.