Passengers face delays on the Thameslink route this morning due to flooding damage.

Flooding and damage to signalling equipment at the Patcham Tunnel in the South Downs between Preston Park and Hassocks in East Sussex has completely closed the line and there will now be a reduced service in place.

First Capital Connect will operate the following services:

- Two trains per hour northbound from Hassocks towards Bedford

- Two trains per hour southbound from Bedford towards Hassocks

- Two trains per hour from Blackfriars towards Sutton and Sutton towards Blackfriars

Passengers have been advised that services will be very busy and that they should seek alternative routes where possible.

Tickets are being accepted on TfL services and by other train operators.