RAIL chaos as a series of incidents cause cancellations and delays.

A series of faults with signalling systems have lead to severe disruption on the Brighton Mainline.

A spokesman said: “At present there is a fault with the signalling system in the Balcombe area which is causing further disruption to services heading northbound from Haywards Heath. In this particular situation the fault has been confirmed as a track circuit failure.

Network Rail are also investigating a points failure at Gatwick for the second time today. “Services are having to run on the slow lines meaning that further congestion will occur.”

Earlier today there was also a fault with the signalling system in the Purley area.

This heavily disrupted services between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport.

As well as this, there was a points failure in the Gatwick area and a signalling fault between East Croydon and Oxted.

For two hours, services were only able to use one of the two southbound lines between East Croydon and Coulsdon South.

Southern Rail said delays are highly likely, with disruption expected until 4pm.

They are advising customers to travel using alternative train services, London Buses or METROBUS, on which their tickets would be valid.