Southern train derails in East Sussex with police and paramedics on scene

Emergency services are responding to a train derailment between Haywards Heath and Lewes in Sussex. The incident took place at around 3:54pm today, with British Transport Police responding along with Sussex Police, paramedics and the fire service. Images circulating on social media appear to show two train carriages on their side, with people stood on top of them. The exact details of the incident are as yet unclear. It is understood, nobody has been killed or suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash, The Times reports.A senior source at the Department for Transport also told the publication all passengers had been evacuated from the train. Shorts South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed to Sky News it is at the scene and has sent specialist teams to deal with what happened. It explained a number of ambulance resources are at the scene, including specialist teams, who are working alongside its emergency service partners. Due to the train leaving the tracks, there are widespread train delays and cancellations across the south coast. Southern Rail has said the carriages derailed between Haywards Heath and Lewes. It said it was working with emergency services, but warned that no trains can run between Brighton and Lewes, Haywards Heath and Lewes or Seaford, plus Eastbourne and Lewes. The train operator added that passengers who are currently on trains close to Lewes station should remain on the train and await further updates. Fire crews have warned people to avoid the area. “Other emergencies services have also been alerted,” East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement. “We continue to work at the scene alongside our emergency service colleagues and other partners. Please avoid the area.” The derailment was described as “a very serious and developing incident” by James MacCleary, thenMP for Lewes MacCleary, the MP for Lewes, wrote in a Facebook post: “I am aware of very concerning reports of a train crash in the Lewes area this afternoon. “I am in touch with the relevant authorities now and will provide further updates as soon as I have more information. “This is clearly a very serious and developing incident, and my thoughts are with everyone affected. “In the meantime, if you are concerned about someone or need urgent assistance, please contact the emergency services.” Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is “deeply concerned” by the derailment in a post on X. She added: “Deeply concerned of reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes, Sussex. “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.” Maryam Eslamdous, general secretary of a transport trade union, The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) said “the immediate priority must be” passenger’s “safety and wellbeing”. Ms Eslamdoust added: “We are deeply concerned by today’s derailment and our thoughts are with the passengers, emergency services and rail workers affected. “We thank the emergency services, British Transport Police and Southern Rail staff responding at the scene.” This is a breaking news story and is being updated.