Southern Rail: Trespasser spotted on tracks at major Sussex station
A trespasser on the railway caused disruption to train services at Three Bridges.
Southern Rail first reported the incident, at around 10.55am, on Thursday (September 24)
The operator said services running to and from Three Bridges could be delayed or revised.
Passengers were initially told they could continue to use their normal routes but should allow an additional 15 minutes for their journeys.
Southern said: “Due to a trespasser on the railway at Three Bridges, services running to/from this station are expected to be delayed or revised.
“You can continue to use your normal route; however, delays are expected.
“Please ensure you allow an additional 15 minutes and check journey planners or live departures before travelling.”
An update was issued at around 11.20am confirming that all lines at Three Bridges were open and it was safe for trains to run at normal speeds again.
Southern added: “Please, however, continue to allow an additional 10 minutes to complete your journey, as residual delays are expected.
“You will need to ensure you check before you travel.”
Ten minutes later, at around 11.30am, Southern confirmed the disruption had ended.
The operator said: “No further trains will be affected following this disruption.
“Don't forget, if you are delayed by 15 minutes or longer, you may be entitled to Delay Repay.”
Three Bridges, in Crawley, is a major station on the Sussex rail network – with services running towards destinations including Brighton, Horsham, Gatwick Airport and London.
According to Network Rail, trespass on the railway is ‘reckless and causes delays’.
Its website explained: “Certain parts of the railway, including stations, underpasses and level crossings, are open to the public.
"But if you step on the railway track, the land next to the track, or any area near the railway that isn’t open to the public, you are trespassing. It is dangerous and illegal. You could be taken to court and face a £1,000 fine.”