Train services between Brighton and London were suffering severe disruption today after the derailment of a train by a landslide yesterday.

105 passengers had to be rescued from Merstham Tunnel near Redhill yesterday afternoon when the 10.56 Brighton to London Victoria service hit a landslide caused by heavy rain.

A South Central spokeswoman said passengers should expect delays on services today with the part of track affected by the landslide remaining closed for essential works.

She said services would be reduced as trains would be rerouted on to another stretch of track.

South Central, Thameslink and some Gatwick Express trains will suffer as a result.

Two stations, Coulsdon South and Merstham, will be closed all day with passengers advised to travel to the next nearest station for services.

The spokeswoman said with some services cancelled due to fewer lines being available, passengers should expect delays of between 15 and 30 minutes.

The damaged train has been removed from the track and taken for repairs and examination.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "It is likely engineers will put steel cages filled with concrete at the foot of the bank to prevent further landslides."

A revised service is expected to operate until Monday while engineers clear the debris.

Network Rail also refuted suggestions the uprooting of trees from the banks could have led to the landslip.

The spokesman said: "We have been removing trees to make the line safer as they can become unstable and fall on to the track.

"But it is a myth that tree roots always keep the ground stable and therefore prevent landslides."

Shelley Atlas, chairwoman of Brighton Line Commuters, called for a full investigation.