A WOMAN suffered a "severe injury" after being hit by a train.

A witness described how fellow commuters "started screaming and crying" after seeing the incident at a busy train station.

It happened at Worthing Station earlier this morning.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "We were called to Worthing railway station following a report of a casualty on the tracks.

The Argus:

"Police and paramedics attended.

"A woman is reported to have suffered a severe injury and has been taken to hospital.

"The incident is not being treated as suspicious."

A Southern Rail spokesman said: "Network Rail informed us of this incident at 7.54am.

The Argus:

"Their responders and emergency services staff arrived on site shortly afterwards, and have now dealt with the incident.

"To prevent further harm and to allow responders to work safely, electrical power to the track had to be turned off for a time, but has now been restored.

"Delayed trains have now started moving in the area, but trains and crews have been significantly displaced, so disruption will continue for some time."

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said they were called to assist police at 8.10am.

He said: "We had a call from police this morning to deal with a person trapped.

"All other enquiries need to go through police."

The Argus:

The Southern Rail spokesman warned of delays and cancellations between Hove and Angmering due to "a person being hit by a train".

All lines via Worthing were blocked but have since reopened, though delays remain in the area.

The spokesman said the disruption was because of "a person being hit by a train between Angmering and Hove".

The Argus:

He said: "Train services running through these stations will be cancelled, delayed or diverted.

"Disruption is expected until 12pm.

"Major disruption will affect all services via Angmering, Worthing and Hove.

"You are advised to leave extra time for your journey.

The Argus:

"If you can travel later in the morning, we advise you to do so."

A Southern Rail spokesman also said that anyone who had 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".

Pictures by Mick Symes