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Passenger train derails in East Sussex

Daniel SextonSouth East
News imageEddie Mitchell Three train carriages that have derailed. Several emergency workers are congregating by the side of the railway.Eddie Mitchell
Emergency services have asked people to avoid the area

A train has derailed in East Sussex, closing several rail routes in the area.

Network Rail said the 14:24 BST Southern passenger service from London Victoria to Eastbourne came off the tracks in the Lewes area shortly before 16:00 BST.

Emergency services are at the scene close to Lewes station and have asked members of the public to avoid the area.

A source from the Department for Transport has told the BBC that the latest understanding is that there are "no serious injuries or fatalities".

Network Rail said the derailment had "closed all lines running through this station".

"As a result of this, trains are currently unable to run through the area to allow the emergency services to attend the incident," a spokesperson said.

"Major disruption is expected until 22:00."

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said on X: "Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted.

"We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers."

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