'Loud bang' on train and two faults with same level crossing barrier: Southern Rail disruption explained after incidents in Sussex and Surrey

Two incidents were reported at 6am – one in Lancing, West Sussex and the other between Epsom and Sutton in Surrey.

In Lancing, there was a ‘fault with the level crossing barriers’, according to Southern Rail.

A social media notice read: “Trains running through this station will be delayed and will travel at slower speeds than normal.

"If you are travelling between Brighton and Worthing, in either direction, your train will travel at slower speeds when moving through the Lancing area.

“Please check your train before you travel as you might need to board an earlier train than planned.”

Those travelling along the west coast this morning were told they can use their normal route ‘but please allow an extra ten minutes for your journey’.

At 7.15am, Southern Rail reported that disruption caused by the level crossing barrier fault ‘has now ended’.

However, a ‘further fault’ was reported with the barriers at 7.40am.

Southern added: “Before travelling this morning, please make sure to check your journey at nationalrail.co.uk or on the Southern app.

“We're updating our live departure boards with the latest train information. More disruption info can be found at www.southernrailway.com/service-updates/service-updates.”

Delays also remain in the Surrey area, amid a ‘safety inspection of the track’.

The latest travel information from Southern read: “A safety inspection of the track between Epsom and Sutton means that trains have to run at a reduced speed on all lines. Trains may still be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised.

“Disruption is expected until 09:00.

"Some delays are expected, and some services may terminate and start at a different station to normal, between Epsom and Sutton in both directions.

“Please check before you travel this morning and allow plenty of extra time for your journey – we'd advise at least an extra 20 minutes.

“For most journeys you should be able to travel using your normal route but if your planned train is affected you may wish to consider an alternative, if you don't wish to wait for the next service.”

The incident was initially described as a ‘problem currently under investigation’.

Clarifying what happened, a Southern statement read: “Earlier this morning, a train reported a loud bang in the Ewell East area.

"Inspections were made to the train, which was not damaged.

"However, electrical trippings were reported in the area and further investigations have identified a bicycle on the track which appears to have caused these issues. Network Rail are now carrying out an inspection of the track to ensure that no damaged has occurred.”

Services can now run again between Epsom and Sutton in both directions – but ‘some delays are still expected’.

Tickets will be accepted on South Western Railway services between Dorking, Epsom, Clapham Junction and London Waterloo and London Buses between Epsom and Sutton – the S2 runs between Epsom and Sutton via Ewell East and Cheams.

If you have been delayed by 15 minutes or more, for any reason this morning, you will be entitled to compensation. To make a claim, visit: www.southernrailway.com/help-and-support/delay-repay-compensation