Two men forced a busy train to stop between stations before jumping out of it on to the tracks, police said.

The two men were arrested after an emergency air ambulance had to be flown in near Mitcham Junction station, where the train had been approaching at about 5pm on Saturday, May 5.

The incident caused disruption to the London Victoria to Horsham service that evening, and it was not until 6pm that control of the train line was given back to its operators, Network Rail.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “The two men pulled the emergency cord of the 4.31pm service as it approached Mitcham Junction, where it was not due to stop.

“The pair forced the train doors open and left the service on to the tracks.”

A 27-year-old man, from Mitcham, was arrested for endangering safety on the railway.

A 26-year-old man, from Tadworth, was also arrested after being taken to hospital by medical from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service where he was treated for a bruised face and ribs.

Both were bailed and will appear in court later this month.