A fallen tree has brought "utter chaos" for commuters this morning, with trains bypassing East Croydon and the station's entrances shut.

The station is currently exit-only due to overcrowding with no trains running between East Croydon and London Bridge. 

All four lines were blocked by a tree that fell overnight near Forest Hill amid heavy winds.

Three have now reopened but the fourth was damaged, which repair work expected to take until the afternoon.

Croydon commuters described rush-hour chaos and overcrowding as trains were cancelled, terminated early and diverted to London Victoria. 

No trains were running north from East Croydon and passengers were forced to get off terminated trains at the station. 

Commuter Hannah Williamson tweeted: "Prepare for utter chaos at #eastcroydon this morning. Trees on the line mean no trains into London Bridge at all until further notice."

Another, ‏@thunderstormbun, said simply: "#eastcroydon station is, to put it politely, stuffed."

Your Local Guardian:

The tree is blocking all four lanes near Forest Hill (Picture: Network Rail)

A Southern Rail spokesman said trains would be running with speed restrictions after the three lines reopened.

He added: "This means that delays, short notice alterations and cancellations will remain for a while yet.

"There is damage to the conductor rail on the fourth line which requires a repair.

"Normal service is expected around lunchtime today providing that the repairs go smoothly."

Your Local Guardian:

Passengers have been forced to get off at East Croydon station as trains terminate early (picture: Leslie McArdle)