There are delays of up to 35 minutes on Southern trains heading to Gatwick through Clapham Junction and East Croydon this morning after lines were seen smouldering.

The fire brigade is attending to the electrical third rail fault just outside the airport station.

Delays are expected until at least 12:15pm.

Three weeks ago Southern launched an "emergency timetable" cancelling 341 trains a day to combat chronic lateness and staffing issues.