Trains will most likely be unable to run through Forest Hill all day after a 13ft hole emerged, revealing a collapsed sewer underneath the line.

Engineers from Network Rail and Thames Water confirmed the discovery of an active sewer in the early hours of this morning.

Plans are being finalised to fix the problem, but in the meantime trains are unable to run on the line.

Southern Rail said a reduced train service will operate to and from London Bridge with train services using a diversionary route.

This means there will be no Southern train services to or from Anerley, Penge West, Sydenham, Forest Hill, Honor Oak Park, Brockley or New Cross Gate stations.


Paul Rutter, area director for Network Rail, said: "Because of the location of the hole we are unable to run trains on this track through to London Bridge this morning and it looks likely that disruption to services will continue throughout the day.

"We apologise sincerely for the disruption and assure passengers both Network Rail and Thames Water are working hard to restore the railway to full capacity."

As well as trains to London Bridge, the disruption at Forest Hill is likely to have an impact on all services to and from Victoria, with passengers being advised to leave extra journey time.

Danny Leamon, Thames Water’s senior operations manager, said it was too early to know whether the sewer pipe is the cause of the sinkhole.

He said: “We’re acutely aware of the importance of this rail route.

Our specialist teams worked through the night, and they’ll continue to work as fast as possible today to get the pipe fixed and help Network Rail get the track reopened."

He added “This is an extremely complex job as the pipe is in a difficult location in the tracks and six metres below the ground.

"Engineers hope to finish repairs later today but we’re unable to put an exact time to it at this stage.”