Bognor Regis train derailment - Network Rail provides update as investigation begins

As of 11.20am, all lines remain blocked in and out of Bognor after a 'low speed derailment' just after 5.20.

Replacement bus services have been in operation between Barnham and Bognor.

Network Rail Kent and Sussex said a train 'shorted out' against the conductor rail and the isolation 'means the whole station is 'dead''.

Outlining what engineers know so far and what the plan is, in a post on Twitter, a spokesperson said: "We're really sorry for the disruption to passengers at Bognor Regis this morning, after the very front of a Southern Rail train came off the tracks.

"At 05.23, a Bognor to Littlehampton train derailed as it was leaving platform four.

"No one was hurt and passengers left the train safely within a couple of minutes. Only the very front wheels of the train came off.

"It’s too early to understand what went wrong, but we are working with the Rail Accident and Investigation Branch (RAIB) who investigate all accidents like this.

"They have two inspectors on site and once they are finished investigating, we will begin the re-railing of the train."

Network Rail said the 'good news' is that Southern Rail has its re-railing team and the equipment on site 'ready and waiting to go'.

The spokesperson added: "We’re really sorry to passengers delayed by this incident, we’re working as quickly and safely as we can to get things up and running again."

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton: