A trespasser spotted on train lines sparked “havoc” for rail passengers in south London.
British Transport Police and Network Rail staff were called to an area between Streatham Common and Balham after a woman was seen wandering next to railway tracks just after 12.30pm on Saturday.
Gatwick Express services on the line between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport faced cancellations and delays of upto 40 minutes until 4pm, Network Rail said.
Southern Rail services between London Victoria and Epsom, Sutton, Caterham, Haywards Heath, Brighton and Chichester were also affected.
Frustrated travellers took to social media to discuss the delays.
One wrote: “Trespassers causing havoc on the rails in the Southwick and Streatham Common areas. Trains at a stand, expect delays.”
Another added: “Stuck on train at Clapham Junction not going anywhere women seen on track between Balham and Streatham.”
A spokesman for BTP confirmed a trespasser had been spotted on the tracks.
In a statement posted on their website at 2.30pm, Network Rail said: “The trespass incident in the Balham area has now been resolved and services through the station are starting to return to normal.
"Trains through Balham may still be delayed by up to 20 minutes or cancelled."
The delays came as members of the RMT union begin a three-day walk-out over a long-running dispute with Southern Rail over conductors.
