A PERSON has been hit by a train between Worthing and Littlehampton.

Southern Rail confirmed the incident, which happened this afternoon.

A spokesman said: "We regret to advise of a person being hit by a train between Littlehampton and Worthing/Chichester.

"Emergency services and Network Rail quick response staff are on site and dealing with this sad incident.

"As a safety precaution, all lines are blocked while they are dealing with this.

"If you've been affected by what happened on the network today, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 from any phone for a confidential chat."

The spokesman added that trains between Worthing and both Littlehampton and Chichester "may be cancelled, delayed or revised".

He said disruption was expected to last until 8pm.

Tickets will also be accepted on Brighton and Hove Buses between Brighton and Shoreham, and Stagecoach 700 services between Brighton and Portsmouth Harbour.

Bromley and Croydon Transport said: "All lines are blocked between Littlehampton and Worthing following a person having unfortunately being hit by a train between Angmering and Goring-By-Sea at a level crossing.

"Southern and Thameslink services may be delayed by up to 45 minutes, cancelled or revised until 20:00."

At about 6.15pm a Southern Rail spokesman provided an update.

He said: "All lines have now reopened.

"Train services along the West Coast may still be subject to delay, alteration and cancellation as we work to return service to normal."