Broken down train delays Brighton, Hove and Portslade commuters

Passengers from Brighton have been stuck on a broken down Thameslink train near Hassocks for more than an hour and a half.

The problem has led to delays and cancellations for thousands of commuters from Brighton, Hove and Portslade this morning (Thursday 31 January).

Thameslink operator First Capital Connect said: “Due to a broken down train in the Brighton area, all Thameslink services on the Bedford to Brighton route are subject to delay and short-notice cancellations.

“We are sorry for the delay to your journey this morning.

“Tickets are being accepted by Southern, East Midlands Trains and London Underground by any reasonable route.”

The main train operator between Brighton and London, Southern, said: “Train services between Brighton and Wivelsfield are being disrupted due to a broken down train in the Hassocks area.

“Short-notice alterations, cancellations and delays of up to 45 minutes can be expected.

“Only London-bound train services are affected by this problem.”

The arrivals board at London Victoria was showing some arrivals from Brighton delayed by an hour and warned of delays of up to 90 minutes.

A crash on the A23 near Pyecombe affected drivers heading out of Brighton during the rush hour. The queue of traffic went back to the A27 Brighton bypass at one point causing delays of about 15 minutes.