Crisis-ridden Southern Rail cancelled more than 1,000 trains this morning, causing fresh misery for thousands of commuters in the operator's worst strike so far.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, today launched a three-day walkout in a long-running dispute over the role of conductors.

The drivers' union Aslef has started an overtime ban in a separate row over driver-only trains.

Members of the RMT plan to confront Transport Secretary Chris Grayling when he gives a speech tonight on the Government's plans to give train operators control of track maintenance.

The union criticised Mr Grayling for not mentioning the Southern disputes in extracts from his speech which were released beforehand.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "Our guards members on Southern Rail remain rock-solid and absolutely determined in their action in defence of rail safety this morning.

"The union repeats its demand for Chris Grayling and his Rail Minister to get out of their bunker, stop the mud-slinging and take up the offer from RMT for direct talks to sort out the worsening crisis on Britain's biggest rail franchise."

Commuters took to social media to vent their frustration at yet another Southern strike.

Hugh Wotmayte posted: "Southern Rail services cancelled due to strike action... You know, if you couldn't tell the difference."

  • Have you been effected by today's strike? Call the newsdesk