Commuters will face lengthy delays after a series of malfunctions on the Brighton to London mainline.

A freight train broke down in Horley, near Gatwick Airport at about 5.30am this morning.

Further problems have been created with electrical supply problems in the Redhill area.

Currently, Southern services are severely disrupted between Purley and Gatwick Airport.

Rail operaters are warning of some cancellations, short notice alterations and delays to services on other routes.

A spokesman for Southern Railway confirmed the problems will continue into the evening peaktime period.

He said: “Work is still ongoing to repair the problems with the electrical supply. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

A number of local bus companies are accepting National Rail tickets.

London Buses from East Croydon and Purley to Redhill (route 405) is accepting Southern tickets.

Metrobus is accepting tickets between Three Bridges and Redhill (route 100).

The broken down train this morning caused a number of cancellations services on the coastal line to Brighton.

Other journeys were delayed by 45 minutes due to overhead wire problems at Farringdon.

A replacement bus service was set up between Gatwick and Redhill.

The line was eventually cleared at about 11.30am.