Rush hour rail chaos after ‘trespass’ at Raynes Park with disruption continuing
The incident at Raynes Park was first reported at 3.42pm on Wednesday, according to National Rail’s website.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A “trespass” incident in south west London resulted in rush hour rail chaos, with disruption set to last until the end of the day.
The incident at Raynes Park was first reported at 3.42pm on Wednesday, according to National Rail’s website.
Police have dealt with the incident and rail lines have reopened, but major disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day.
The routes affected include South Western Railway between London Waterloo and Hampton Court, Shepperton, Chessington South, Woking, Alton, Dorking, Guildford, Basingstoke, Yeovil Junction, Exeter St Davids, Portsmouth & Southsea, Portsmouth Harbour and Weymouth as well as Thameslink between St Albans City and Sutton.
A statement on National Rail’s website says: “Following the police dealing with a trespass incident in the Wimbledon area all lines have now reopened.
“While service recovers, trains running through the Wimbledon area may still be cancelled, severely delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.
“Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”
South Western Railway posted on X saying: “Following the police dealing with an incident at Raynes Park, all lines have now reopened.
“At this time, we estimate that disruption to our services will be until the end of the day.
“Train services are now able to run however, please be aware that due to crew and train displacement following the line closure, whilst we return the service to normal, train services may still be cancelled, delayed or revised.
“You are advised to check your journey before you travel.”
Angie Pitt, who is based in Leatherhead, Surrey, said she has been at Waterloo since 3.45pm and was on a train for an hour before it was cancelled.
The 50-year-old said: “It’s a bit fraught on the concourse, a recent announcement told us, ‘we simply do not have enough space to get you all home’.
“I was on the 1554 to Leatherhead, I was hoping to be home by 4.45.
“Feeling frustrated and hot.
“I’ve got a seat and some snacks, trains are starting to leave now so I’ll sit it out. I’m optimistic.”
British Transport Police has been approached to comment.