DISRUPTION to rail services was being blamed on ICE this morning.

It may only be Halloween, but Southern Rail today announced that ice was "preventing trains getting electricity from the third rail" between Littlehampton and Brighton.

The rail operator says some lines are blocked as a result, and some services will be cancelled or delayed.

Disruption is expected until as late as 11am, according to an update on Southern's website.

The rail operator strongly advises passengers to allow extra time for their journeys.

It said: "Currently Southern are experiencing numerous delays across the network.

"Due to the icy weather conditions this morning this is causing significant issues across the network.

"As the ice coats the electrical equipment, this stops power from getting to the trains.

"The following trains have been affected this morning and are blocking the lines.

"0544 Littlehampton to London Victoria developed a fault just outside of Goring By Sea blocking the line between Littlehampton and Brighton.

"0519 Eastbourne to London Victoria currently is at a stand at Plumpton blocking the line towards London."

Some commuters were less than impressed with the company's explanation.

One posted on Twitter: "Ice on the line. The car isn’t even frozen. WTF"

Another told Southern: "You become a bigger joke by the day".

A third customer commented: "What are you going to do in winter? It’s a balmy 5C out there."

Mark O'Keeffe wrote: "This is shocking! I mean a bit of ice???? It’s only October. Is this breaking in people gently for February?"