Brighton trains delayed after vehicle hits railway bridge

Thousands of commuters are making their way to enjoy the sunshine in Brighton.

But plans have been curtailed after a "number of incidents" between Three Bridges and Brighton including a vehicle hitting a railway bridge in Hassocks.

Brighton Station was packed full of people but only had two trains stationed at a platform as a result. 

One commuter told The Argus: "A car has hit a railway bridge in Hassocks.

"Trains are rammed full of people going to the beach. They are all running late because of overcrowding."

Southern Rail confirmed delays of at least 20 minutes to its services.

Brighton Station full of commuters but not many trains (Image: Sussex News and Pictures/The Argus)

A spokesman said: "Due to a number of incidents today between Three Bridges and Brighton all lines are disrupted.

"An alarm that had to be checked sounded on a train just outside Haywards Heath. The driver has investigated, reset the alarm, and is on the move.

"We have had reports that a road vehicle has collided with a bridge in the Hassocks area. Trains are having to go over the bridge at a slower speed until it is inspected. This will cause delays of up to ten minutes."

Brighton is set to reach 27C this afternoon as thousands flock to the seafront to enjoy the last of the summer heat.

A Southern Rail spokesman said: "We received reports around 12pm that a vehicle had struck a bridge in the Hassocks area.

"Trains were able to run over the bridge, but at a reduced speed until the bridge had been inspected for any potential damage.

"The inspection was complete around 12.30pm with no damage found and services have resumed running at normal speeds, though there may still be some residual delays."