Major travel disruption in Croydon is expected to last into the afternoon after a train crashed into a tree in Upper Warlingham.

Southern Rail made the announcement after it was reported shortly before 6.10am today (February 24).

National Rail has said railway lines between East Croydon and Upper Warlingham are blocked until further notice.

A Southern Rail spokesman said: "Earlier today the 6.08am London Bridge to Uckfield struck a tree that had fallen on to the track in the Upper Warlingham area.

"This has caused substantial damage to the train with the tree being wedged underneath the front of the train.

"Network Rail had a team of specialists on site and they have now removed the three and our train has been moved so an inspection could take place.

"Network Rail have confirmed there has been some damage and they are now working on timescales for when the damage will be fixed."

Lines have now reopened according to Southern Rail, however delays and cancellations are still expected.

A National Rail spokesman said: “As a result of this, trains between East Croydon and Oxted may be cancelled or revised.

“If you are travelling this morning [then] please allow extra time for your journey.”

Tickets are being accepted on Southeastern services between London and Tunbridge Wells, as well as ‘any reasonable route’ on London buses through Upper Warlingham.

It is expected to be cleared at around 2pm.