Thousands of frustrated commuters suffered delays of up to an hour last night after a trespasser broke onto train tracks at Ashtead.

Police were called to Ashtead station at about 5.35pm after reports of a person on the track.

Over 100 trains were disrupted travelling through Surrey and south London, with five services cancelled, four trains terminating early and 97 delayed.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "At about 5.35pm we had reports of a person on the track at Ashtead station.

"Police were called and trains through the area were moving with extreme caution.

"The level crossing barriers were held in the down position for a while.

"We had to switch the electrics off to allow the emergency services on the line and the person was clear of the line at 6.20pm."

The person, who is not believed to have been injured, is suspected of being suicidal.

The track was reopened at 6.45pm but it took much longer for normal working to resume, with many normally stopping trains routed fast through the area.