A DERAILED train has led to serious disruptions on a busy route this morning.

Southern trains running to London Victoria, where the train came off the tracks, from Brighton will be delayed and run less frequently today.

Passengers are advised to travel later in the day if possible or take alternate routes to London - Blackfriars or London Bridge.

Gatwick Express services have been suspended, so passengers travelling from the Brighton area will need to use Thameslink to London Bridge or Blackfriars instead.

Engineers are currently working on removing the derailed viehicle.

The disruptions are expected to last until the end of the day.

A spokesman for Southern Rail said: “ There will be a severely reduced and disrupted service to and from London Victoria this morning. Please leave a significant amount of extra time for journeys.

“In particular, please consider using London Bridge or Blackfriars instead of London Victoria, or to travel later in the day, as you may find it much more comfortable.

“Train services and stations around South London may be much busier than normal during the morning peak hours.

“Trains may be amended at short notice, and for this reason we recommend you listen carefully to all station and onboard announcements.

“Please check your journey before you travel.”

A Network Rail spokesman said:  “We would like to apologise to passengers affected by ongoing disruption on Southern trains into London Victoria this morning owing to a derailed engineering train.

“We are working to remove the derailed vehicle as quickly as possible. Passengers are advised to travel later in the day if possible and avoid London Victoria and seek an alternative route via London Bridge or London Blackfriars as trains will be delayed, diverted or cancelled.

"Passengers should check the latest travel information via the National Rail Enquiries or Southern Rail websites.”