Two die in less than an hour after being hit by trains in Sussex

The incidents happened within 30 minutes of one another this afternoon.

British Transport Police were called to the first incident at Billingshurst Station at 12.52pm following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

A force spokeswoman said:"Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person has been pronounced dead at the scene.

"Officers are now working to identify the person and inform their family.

"The incident is not being treated as suspicious and the file will be prepared for the coroner."

• READ MORE: Live updates as 'major disruption' on Sussex railways continues

The force were then called to another report of a casualty on the tracks at Balcombe Station at 1.22pm.

Again, the force confirmed that a person was pronounced dead at the scene, with officers now working to identify them and inform their family.

"The incident is not being treated as suspicious and the file will be prepared for the coroner," a spokeswoman said.

As a result of the Billingshurst incident, disruption between Horsham and Barnham is expected to continue until 4pm.

A Southern Rail spokesman said: "Nearby trains are being held at stations and won't move forward until the emergency services have reopened the line.

"​​​​​​​Leave plenty of extra time for your journey this afternoon. If you have not yet set off to the station, please travel later on today. ​​​​​​​

"If you can't delay your journey and need to travel by train now then this will take a lot longer than usual.

"Replacement buses operated by either Metrobus, Brighton and Hove, or A&A Travel are stopping at all stations between Horsham and Barnham. The bus journey will take roughly 60 minutes longer than the train."

Southern Rail

Southern Rail has also warned customers of "major disruption" between Gatwick Airport and Haywards Heath as a result of the Balcombe incident.

A spokesman said: "A person has been hit by a train between Gatwick Airport and Haywards Heath, resulting in all lines being closed.

"Trains are unable to run between Three Bridges and Haywards Heath. Journey times will be significantly extended.

"The knock-on effect of the line closure means that there is a reduced train service on a number of our routes.

"Major disruption is expected until 5.30pm."

Rail replacement buses have been requested to run between Three Bridges and Haywards Heath.