First Capital Connect's rush hour service is in chaos this afternoon after it cancelled a raft of services.

National Rail Enquiries says all the Bedford to Brighton trains have been cancelled - although the operator itself says it is running two trains an hour.

In a statement on its website, FCC said: "During the unprecedented cold weather our Thameslink route fleet has developed technical problems including train motor failures.

"The majority of these faults developed while trying to provide a service through heavy snow and sub-zero conditions.

"Our engineering team is working around the clock to repair the trains as quickly as possible, however a number remain out of action which is affecting the level of service we can provide.

"We will be re-introducing trains as soon as they are cleared for service. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience experienced this morning and over the recent weeks on Thameslink services."

But Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary said the troubles were due to staffing, not technical issues.

He said: "The continuing chaos on First Capital Connect and other parts of the rail network is down to a shortage of operating staff, track crew and serviceable rolling stock.

"Those issues must be tackled as a matter of urgency in light of the events of the past week.

“FCC has once again proven itself to be a complete disaster in terms of service delivery and the only solution to the continuing and repeated chaos on their franchise is to bring it back under public ownership with proper resources and staffing put in place to deliver for the travelling public."

FCC drivers almost went on strike before Christmas in protest at staff shortages after weeks of working to rule crippled the service.