Rail delays after train hits obstruction on track

Rail services through Gatwick Airport are being disrupted after a train hit an obstruction on the tracks.

Rail operators Thameslink and Southern first reported the issue at about 06:00 GMT on Tuesday, saying that an obstruction had been struck by a train near Salfords station, in Surrey.

The train companies say trains running to, from or through Gatwick Airport may be cancelled, delayed by up to 40 minutes or revised and services that are running may use alternative platforms at some stations.

Thameslink said its services between Three Bridges and Bedford had been suspended, and no trains would call at Salfords or Earlswood stationsin the northbound direction until further notice.

Trains will call at these stations in the southbound direction to an amended timetable, so passengers can change at Redhill.

Ticket acceptance has been put in place on alternative routes between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport, and on local buses.

Disruption is expected to last until12:00 GMT.

The operators added it was aware that some services had become stranded between stations, and asked passengers on those services to remain on board and listen to announcements.

A Thameslink spokesperson said: "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.

"Operators are doing all that they can to get our services moving once again; they do ask passengers to remain inside the train and under no circumstances attempt to self-evacuate. This will cause further delays."

Elsewhere in Sussex, Southern services between Eastbourne and Lewes were being delayed by up to 10 minutes due a signalling problem at Polegate station.

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