A railway line has been closed after reports of a fire next to the track.

Trains running to Portsmouth and Southampton are cancelled or delayed while engineers fix the broken section of track near Barnham.

Southern Rail said disruption is expected until the end of today (May 2) with expectation that it may not open until tomorrow.

It means there is limited or no travel to the two cities from Brighton, Horsham, Three Bridges, Chichester, Littlehampton, or Bognor.

A spokesman for the Trainline said: "Earlier this morning we received reports of a fire near the track.

"This caused the signalling system to falter, and it has now been determined that there is damage to the track, meaning no services can run towards Portsmouth and Southampton.

READ MORE: Ryanair passengers for Alicante end up at Gatwick Airport

"Network Rail advise a section of track is damaged and will need replacing.

"Replacement materials are being gathered currently and do not expect to have the line available until tomorrow."

Rail tickets are accepted on Stagecoach's 700 bus service, and there is a limited rail replacement bus service between Barnham and Havant, however Southern is urging people not to travel.