A passenger train has derailed near Lewes in East Sussex, with images from the scene showing carriages lying on their side as police, firefighters and paramedics carry out a major emergency response.
British Transport Police said officers were called at 3.54pm on Thursday, 13 August, following reports of a derailed train close to Lewes railway station.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service received a call a minute later reporting that a train had derailed just outside Lewes.
Emergency services are at the scene, including British Transport Police, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
There has been no official confirmation at this stage of casualties or how many passengers were aboard the train.
Images emerging from the scene show at least two train carriages appearing to have come off the tracks and fallen onto their side, while other carriages remain upright.
People who appear to be emergency responders can be seen standing on top of the overturned carriages, with others gathered around the train. Emergency vehicles are also visible close to the railway.
Separate images seen by BPI News appear to show sections of the railway tracks visibly distorted or warped close to the derailed train.
The significance of the apparent damage is not yet known. There has been no official indication that the condition of the tracks caused or contributed to the derailment, and it remains unclear whether the distortion was present beforehand or was caused during the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the derailment and what caused the train to leave the tracks have not yet been established.
British Transport Police said: “Officers are currently on scene close to Lewes railway station following reports of a derailed train at 3.54pm today (13 August).
“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service and will provide more information as soon as we can.”
Sussex Police confirmed it was supporting British Transport Police at the incident.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We can confirm we were called at 3.55pm to reports that a train had derailed just outside Lewes. We are working with other emergency services at the scene.”
The fire service has asked members of the public to avoid the area while the emergency response continues.
Network Rail and Greater Thameslink Railway also confirmed that a passenger train had derailed shortly before 4pm.
A spokesperson for Network Rail and Southern said: “We are aware that a passenger train has derailed in the Lewes area of East Sussex.
“Emergency services are on site and we will update with more information when we can.”
The derailment has caused widespread cancellations and delays across the surrounding rail network.
Southern said the carriages derailed between Haywards Heath and Lewes.
No trains are currently able to operate between Brighton and Lewes, Haywards Heath and Lewes, or Seaford/Eastbourne and Lewes.
Passengers already aboard trains that have been brought to a standstill because of the incident have been asked to remain on board and wait for further instructions.
People who have not yet begun their journeys are being advised to postpone their travel until later or use an alternative route.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply concerned” by reports of the derailment and thanked emergency workers responding at the scene.
“Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted,” Alexander said.
“We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.”
Authorities have yet to confirm whether anyone has been injured, how many people were aboard the train or what caused the derailment.