TRAINS are being cancelled and delayed after a points failure on a busy railway line.

Passengers have described chaotic scenes at Brighton Station as a result of the disruption.

One passenger said: "The station is absolutely packed.

"Hundreds of commuters are stuck at the station and a lack of information means no one knows what to do." 

A Southern Rail spokesman warned travellers to expect trains running between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport - on the line towards Brighton - to be cancelled and delayed by up to 30 minutes, with disruption lasting until 8pm.

He said: "The fast and express lines from Purley towards Gatwick Airport is blocked.

"All services are to run via Redhill.

"Delays of up to 30 minutes and short notice cancellations may occur.

"Peterborough to Horsham services will run fast between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport.

"Bedford to Gatwick Airport services will run fast between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport.

"If you are on these trains, requiring stations between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport, you should change at East Croydon for alternative services.

"Or board the service to Gatwick Airport and change there for a service back towards your required station."