Train passengers are being warned of major disruption this afternoon after a fire broke out next to the railway line in the Angmering area.
All lines in the area are currently closed, with no trains able to run between Worthing, Littlehampton and Barnham until further notice.
The fire is close to a key junction, meaning services on routes between Worthing, Angmering, Littlehampton and Barnham are being affected.
Southern says trains running between Worthing and Littlehampton or Barnham may be cancelled, delayed, held at stations, revised or diverted via Arundel.
Major disruption is expected until approximately 3.30pm.
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “We were called at 10.55am to reports of a fire on the railway line near Rustington.
“Joint Fire Control mobilised three fire engines to the scene.
“Upon arrival crews found a small fire on the railway line. Firefighters extinguished the fire using buckets of water.
“Fortunately there were no injuries as a result of this incident.
“Crews left the scene at 12.10pm.”
Passengers are being advised to use alternative routes and allow at least an extra 45 minutes to complete their journey.
As a result of the disruption, trains that usually run between Brighton and Chichester, and between Brighton and Bognor Regis, will terminate and restart at Worthing.
Services between Southampton Central and Brighton will instead run between Southampton Central and Littlehampton.
Trains between London Victoria and Littlehampton will call additionally at Three Bridges before running non-stop to Littlehampton.
Passengers travelling from Barnham towards Worthing are advised to use services to Bognor Regis or Littlehampton, then change onto Stagecoach route 701 to Worthing.
Those travelling from Worthing to Barnham should use Stagecoach route 701 to Littlehampton, before changing onto a Southern service towards Barnham.
Tickets are being accepted on alternative Southern services via Three Bridges, Thameslink services via Three Bridges, selected Stagecoach bus routes, and Brighton & Hove route 46 between Brighton, Hove, Portslade, Southwick and Shoreham-by-Sea.
Passengers are urged to check before they travel using National Rail Enquiries, station information boards or the Southern app.
Anyone delayed may be entitled to compensation and should keep their ticket and journey details.
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