Severe rail disruption continues after derailment

Rail journeys on Southern, Thameslink and the Gatwick Express remain severely disrupted following an early morning derailment and a signal failure in south-east London.

Trains across these networks may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised, the rail firms say.

Thameslink's Brighton to Cambridge line remains suspended and trains on various routes are not stopping at London Bridge.

The rail operators - all part of the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) franchise - have apologised for the disruption, much of which is expected to continue throughout Wednesday.

Following the derailment at Selhurst and the signal failure at London Blackfriars and Norwood Junction, GTR took the decision to issue a "do not travel" alert.

Passengers were urged to avoid using the network "if at all possible" in order to manage demand for the services.

The derailed train blocked the depot, preventing other trains from leaving. Images taken showed the train remained upright and there were no confirmed injuries.

BBC London has been told that the derailed train will be moved on Wednesday night.

A spokesperson for Thameslink said there would be 134 trains out of position overnight, and drivers would have to begin Thursday's service in different locations.

This could lead to some disruption in the Thursday morning rush hour. Passengers were advised to check before they travel.

National Rail Enquiries said the signalling fault meant fewer rail lines were available for use and trains running on the available lines had to run at slower speeds than normalon Wednesday.

Commuter Liz Wells told the BBC her journey to London Bridge from East Croydon took 90 minutes - rather than the usual 20.

"There were trains arriving but they were going backwards to go forwards," she said.

"The platforms were, in my opinion, dangerously over crowded and the trains were also so full. One train arrived and it had just three carriages."

Harry said he was delayed on his journey to school.

The 18-year-old added: "There was an hour delay from Streatham Common to Selhurst so that was annoying - it makes you late for stuff."

His friend Adi told the BBC people on her train began to grow frustrated.

"One man was shouting down the phone about all the disruption. I can imagine it's caused a lot of chaos for travellers," Adi said.

A GTR spokesperson said: "We're very sorry for the disruption that customers have experienced this morning.

"A fault with the signalling system between Norwood Junction and London Bridge, along with a train derailment at Selhurst depot, are causing the disruption.

"We're working with Network Rail to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

"We advise customers to check our website and social media accounts for the latest travel information."

Trains from London Victoria to West Croydon are suspended until further notice.

Those planning to travel to either Gatwick Airport or Luton Airport Parkway by train are advised to allow at least an extra hour for their journey.

London Overground services have experienced knock-on delays as a result, Network Rail said.

Passengers whose journeys are disrupted are able to use tickets on certain alternative routes.

Independent rail union Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) has called for a full explanation for the disruption.

A "do not travel order" is usually only issued in episodes of severe weather, but remained in place for almost two hours.

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: "As ever our brilliant Network Rail members were at the heart of the operation to get services running again and they should be praised for their hard work in doing so.

"Our union looks at this through the lens of safety on the railways, that is and will always be the number one priority."

GTR, which also includes operator Great Northern, is the UK's largest railway franchise in terms of the number of passengers carried.

Some 18% of train journeys in the UK are made on GTR services, according to the company.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]