COMMUTERS are being warned of long delays on the trains after a power outage caused problems with the signalling system.

The signalling system between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport was badly affected, causing major disruption to services between East Croydon and Brighton.

The Uckfield line and the East Grinstead line were also affected.

All trains were stopped while the power was off for a period before 7am and passengers were warned it would take until at least 4pm for services to return to normal.

Trains across the Southern network have been cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes.

Gatwick Express services have been suspended until further notice.

Disruption was expected until the end of service on Friday.

At 2.25pm National Rail said there were still delays of up to 60 minutes across the Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express network.

In a statement on their website, Southern said: "You are strongly advised to refrain from travelling in the peak, and delay your journey if possible as many services are trapped across the network."

Shaun King, acting chief operating officer at Network Rail South East said: “A fault with the National Grid power supply this morning meant we lost power to all our signalling over a wide area, including the Brighton Main Line north of Redhill, the Uckfield line and the East Grinstead line. All trains were stopped while the power was off between 6.24am and 7.01am.

“Trains are now running but we estimate it will take until at least 4pm for services to return to normal. Please do check before you travel today and thank you for your patience.”

There were also technical difficulties affecting information screens at stations possibly showing incorrect information.

Station staff were instructed to make additional announcements.