Thousands of commuters have been affected by train delays and cancellations in Sussex.

First Capital Connect services between Brighton and London were disrupted after a train broke down in the Farringdon area, preventing other services from running.

An FCC spokeswoman said: “We have had some major disruption earlier on when a train failed in the Farringdon area, which was stopping trains from running through London.

“However even through that we had trains running through Brighton and terminating at London Bridge.”

She said they are trying to restore the service to its usual Thameslink timetable.

She added the delays were not weather related.

Southern Rail is also running a disrupted service today because of icy weather on the network.

The Brighton to Victoria Gatwick Express extension service is suspended today and other lines have experienced changes to the timetable and delays.

A spokeswoman said: “We are doing all we can to minimise disruption but train journeys may take longer than usual and services are subject to alteration, cancellation and delays. Please allow additional time for your journey today.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and are working to deliver the best service we can during this weather. We will restore our normal timetable as soon as possible.”

Southern said it will be running a full service tomorrow with some alterations.

Commuters have been further disrupted after reports of someone on the line at Hove, delaying trains.

However British Transport Police said they did not find anyone there.

For further information visit www.southernrailway.com or www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk.