Trains have come to a standstill after trespassers were spotted on the line.

All services between Brighton and Haywards Heath, including London-bound services, have come grinding to a halt due to the people on the line.

An announcement on the train service website confirmed that services would be delayed and cancelled due to the incident with disruption expected to last into the evening.

A spokesman for Govia Thameslink, who run services on the Brighton mainline, said: “A trespass incident between Brighton and Haywards Heath means all lines are closed.

“Services running to and from these stations will be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 19:30.”

The trespass is believed to have taken place in the Patcham area and has led to power being switched off on the line as a safety measure.

Taking to social media, a spokesman for Southern Rail confirmed that bus services would be accepting tickets from passengers facing delays.

Trains from Brighton to London, including the Gatwick Express, all run through Haywards Heath.