OVERCROWDING at Brighton Station has sparked “chaos” this evening. 

Gates onto the platforms were shut at about 8.30pm this evening over safety fears. 

At one point the station was forced to close as people were helped out safely.

Witnesses reported seeing passengers “hurdling” over barriers in a desperate attempt to get on and off trains.

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One commuter, who was returning from London, said: "It was chaos. 

“The barriers were all shut and there were hundreds of people trying to get out. 

“People started jumping over and everyone was panicking.

“Then they said they were closing the station. It was really scary.”

Those at the station report most trains scheduled to leave are either heavily delayed or cancelled entirely. 

And commuters heading back into the city say their trains have been delayed for up to two hours.

Were you at the station tonight? Share your story by emailing news@theargus.co.uk