A car fleeing from police crashed into railway level crossing barriers as a train was approaching this morning (Thursday 16 May).
The crash happened in Berwick shortly after 11.30am and has left the line closed between Lewes and Eastbourne.
Police are understood to be still trying to find the driver of a blue Alfa Romeo while rail engineers are trying to fix the damage to the crossing.
The station has no bridge or subway and one villager said that each side of the village was currently cut off from the other.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which runs Southern trains, said: “A road vehicle colliding with the barriers at a level crossing between Lewes and Eastbourne means that all lines are blocked.
“Trains running between these stations may be cancelled, severely delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.
“Major disruption is expected until 4pm.
“A road vehicle has collided with the barriers at a level crossing in the Berwick area.
“Specialist Network Rail engineers are en route now to investigate the damage and begin repairs.
“Until this is complete, no trains can run through the area, and most trains are instead expected to run between London Victoria / Brighton and Lewes, and between Ashford / Hastings and Eastbourne.”
Sussex Police said: “The road either side of Berwick railway station remains closed after a car collided with the level crossing barriers shortly after 11.30am on Thursday 16 May.
“The vehicle – a blue Alfa Romeo Stelvio V6 – was being pursued northbound by police as it was believed to be stolen and on cloned plates.
“Following the collision, it made off from the scene without stopping and attempts to locate it are ongoing.
“Anyone with any information about the incident or anyone who sees the vehicle is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 481 of 16/05.”
GTR added: “No trains will run between Lewes and Eastbourne until further notice.
“If you are travelling now, your journey is expected to take up to 60 minutes longer than usual.
“The current service plan is as follows.
“Trains which would run between London Victoria and Eastbourne will instead run between London and Lewes.
“Trains which would usually run between Brighton and Ore will instead run between
- Brighton and Lewes
- Eastbourne and Ore
“If you are travelling between Lewes and Eastbourne you will need to use an alternative route to complete your journey.
“You can use your ticket to travel at no extra cost on
- alternative Southern services on any reasonable route
- Southeastern services between Hastings or Ashford International and London Bridge
- London Underground services on any reasonable route
- Brighton and Hove Buses on routes between Brighton, Lewes, and Eastbourne
“Rail replacement buses have been requested to run between Eastbourne and Lewes.
“A limited number of vehicles have been confirmed and are expected to depart at the direction of station staff.
“Please check journey planners and station information boards before you travel, and allow extra time to reach your destination.”
