Southern Rail took to Twitter just after 9.15pm last night (Aug 4) to inform passengers that all trains between Lewes and Eastbourne had been suspended due to a trespasser on the line.
Passengers traveling between Brighton and Eastbourne, via Lewes and Seaford were advised to use their tickets on buses and to allow extra time for travel.
⚠️ A trespasser on the railway is causing disruption to trains in the Lewes area.
— Southern (@SouthernRailUK) August 4, 2022
More info to follow.
It was after police stopped two men acting suspiciously in Southover Road in Lewes at around 8pm.
One of them was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft. The other man attempted to make off from the scene and was found near the railway line a short time later. He was also arrested on suspicion of attempted theft.
A passenger disembarking in Lewes from the Victoria train, reported a large police presence at the station, with officers running onto the platform and through the train.
A helicopter was also heard for some time, circling above the incident.
ℹ️ The police are in attendance and we are currently waiting on an update on this trespassing incident.
— Southern (@SouthernRailUK) August 4, 2022
Once they have confirmed that lines are clear, we can begin the recharge and resume services via Lewes.https://t.co/nUnTK53BEF
At 10.39pm Southern Rail tweeted to inform passengers that police had cleared the line and services would resume shortly.