A train has derailed outside Brighton station.

A locomotive - which was not in public use - was leaving the Lovers Walk train depot just outside Brighton station shortly before 2pm when the derailment took place.

As a result no services were running between Brighton and Hove, on the Brighton Mainline and Brighton and Lewes from 2pm and 4.35pm.

Southern are now operating services between Brighton and Lewes, between Preston Park/Brighton & Worthing and north of Preston Park to and from London.

The rail operating companies say the impact of the incident will mean all services from Brighton will be disrupted for the rest of the day.

Brighton and Hove Buses are now accepting tickets between Brighton & Shoreham, Brighton & Lewes, Brighton & Eastbourne via Newhaven.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Efforts are being made to begin services as soon as possible and Network Rail and operators Southern and Thameslink will update passengers on progress."

The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

Engineers are on site evaluating the situation.

Southern are unable to say when services will return to schedule.

The Argus:

Southern tickets are being accepted on the following services:

  • South West Trains services between Portsmouth/Southampton and London Waterloo
  • First Great Western train services between Redhill and Guildford
  • Southeastern train services between Hastings and London via Tonbridge
  • Brighton and Hove buses between Brighton and Shoreham (Route 2),
  • Brighton and Lewes (Route 29),
  • Brighton and Eastbourne via Newhaven (Route 12)
  • Stagecoach buses between Brighton and Littlehampton / Bognor / Portsmouth Hard (Route 700).

Passengers can expect delays of up to 80 minutes to their journeys.