UPDATE

Delays will continue on the Brighton Mainline until at least 5pm following an earlier signal fault.

Numerous trains have been cancelled and delayed since the problem first came to light around 11.30am.

While engineers have now fixed the problem, there is a backlog given displacement to crew and trains.

A Southern spokesman said: “Train services have been severely disrupted by a signal equipment fault in the Haywards Heath area earlier today, trains are now able to operate normally but remain subject to possible short notice alteration, cancellation or severe delay because of train and train crew displacement.

“Southern and Thameslink have joint ticket acceptance in place between Brighton and London, tickets may also be used on Southeastern train services between Hastings and London via Tonbridge and on South West Trains services between Havant and London via Guildford. “London Underground are also accepting rail passengers on services to and from London Bridge and Victoria.”