A COW on a train track added to commuters' woes this morning.

The animal caused delays of up to 15 minutes - in addition to a signal fault in Haywards Heath which provoked chaos on Southern Rail lines today.

The cow made its way on to the track between Pulborough and Amberley, but Network Rail workers managed to re-moove it at about 10am.

One commuter, called Gemma, said on Twitter: "Train terminated early by @SouthernRailUK due to a cow on the line this time.

"At least it's a different excuse to the usual signalling problems, I guess. Hope the cow is OK."

Southern replied: "I do apologise for this, Gemma. We're currently working to get the cow involved off the line safely."

A Southern spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that a cow on the line between Pulborough and Amberley is causing delays to services of up to 15 minutes this morning.

"A mobile operations manager for Network Rail is working to remove the animal from the line."

She later added that the cow was "coaxed" off the line and normal order was resumed at 10.10am.

Services running between Brighton and Gatwick were disrupted by the signalling system fault in Haywards Heath, sparking anger among commuters.

James Dempster tweeted Southern: "Morning @SouthernRailUK. What inventive reason do you have for so many Brighton to Victoria cancellations today? Disappointed drivers? Tracks went home? Trains thought Rashford should have probably come on at 60 mins?"

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We had a problem with a signal on the coast-bound line just outside Haywards Heath area from late last night, which meant it was stuck on red and trains had to ask permission from our control centre to go past.

"The issue was a difficult one to fix but a solution was found and the signal was returned to normal use by 10am today.

"This caused some delays and fewer trains were run south today to avoid disruption spreading further.

We’re very sorry for the delays passengers will have experienced and we’re grateful for their patience."