A trespasser on the tracks at Greenwich caused chaos for rail passengers across south east London on Tuesday evening (July 22).

British Transport Police and Met Police officers were called to Greenwich station at around 5.25pm following reports of a person on the line.

Network Rail confirmed on Twitter just before 7.30pm that lines had been "blocked" by a person who walked onto the railway at Greenwich Station.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing the railway. He is in police custody.

Stranded travellers took to social media to voice their frustration at the delays, which continued for around eight hours after the trespasser was caught by police.

News Shopper:

Chaotic scenes outside London Bridge Station. Picture: @MPSSouthwark

Natalie (@Pugsnotdrugs82) said on Twitter: “Train goes nowhere near Greenwich so god knows why it’s delayed. Unless trespasser is Usain Bolt sprinting between stations #Southeastern.”

Tommy Roberts (@Tommy11_7) said: “What a surprise, yet more delays this evening courtesy of the worst travel operator in Britain. Thanks @Se_Railway.”

Felipe Alvia Baquero (@FelipeABaquero) said: “@SE_Railway can people commuting to London go home one day without delays? We pay enough for our tickets please. #LondonBridge.”

Ross Murdoch posted on Twitter: “Decided five hours ago to have a meal and go to cinema to avoid delays. STILL DELAYED NOW. Amazing #Southeastern shambles again.”

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Picture: Conal Duffy

Laura Corse (@LauraCorse), who posted a video of squashed commuters trying to get past one another, said: "Trespasser at Greenwich and every train's been cancelled... life's so fun right now."  

Serendipitous (@darktonight85) said: "@Se_Railway How does a trespasser incident at 6pm in the evening create delays of up to eight hours?"

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We had to close the railway at Greenwich for safety reasons to allow the police to apprehend a trespasser on the line.

"This caused severe delays to trains across the area during the rush hour.

"This had knock-on delays and we are working hard to resume a normal service and get people home.

"We apologise to passengers affected by this disruption."