A MAJOR emergency response is under way after a train derailed just outside Lewes railway station this afternoon (Thursday).
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was called at 3.55pm following reports of a derailment near the station, with crews working alongside other emergency services at the scene.
By 6.15pm, the fire service said ten fire engines, a Command Support Unit, technical rescue units, officers and other specialist resources had been deployed.
Firefighters have been helping emergency crews reach passengers on the train and assisting other agencies involved in the response.
The fire service said: “We have been helping reach passengers and assisting other emergency services.”
People are being urged to avoid the area while the incident continues.
The derailment has also caused major disruption across the Sussex rail network, with all lines through Lewes currently closed.
National Rail says services between Ore, Eastbourne and Seaford and Brighton, as well as trains between Ore and Eastbourne and London Victoria, are affected.
Trains are currently unable to run through Lewes while emergency services deal with the incident.
Passengers are being warned that major disruption is expected to continue until at least the end of Thursday.
Southern is advising passengers not to travel.
The circumstances surrounding the derailment are not yet known and there has been no confirmed information about injuries at this stage.
This is a developing story and will be updated as further information is released.
