One desperate commuter ran across rail tracks to catch a train this morning, it is claimed, as festive services struggled to cope with people returning to work.

People at Crofton Park station were left waiting on freezing cold platforms as Thameslink trains, already running a reduced service, arrived late, shorter than usual and overcrowded, customers say.

Traveller Roger Bradley even reported seeing one man running across the tracks to try and get on board a train.

He tweeted: "‏Crazy!! Just seen one guy run across the tracks, no room on the train, people arguing, great service - Merry xmas!!!"

And Nic Bullen joined many others who berated the company online. She tweeted: "Whoever is responsible for the f**k ups at Crofton Park train station is welcome to call my boss and tell her why I'm an hour late today."

A spokesman for Thameslink said: "We would like to apologise for the minor delays that were experienced by passengers at Crofton Park this morning. This was due to temporary speed restrictions and passengers being unable to board and alight from trains as quickly as normal because several services were formed of four carriages.

"Thameslink services between 20 December – 2 January have been amended as advertised on our website. Customers are able to view details of service alterations by logging onto http://www.thameslinkrailway.com

"Between Christmas and New Year there is a reduction in passengers.  As with all other rail companies, including Transport for London, during this time we follow a policy that has been in operation since before privatisation, where we offer a service which may not run as per normal peak but is an enhanced service providing more trains than a standard Saturday service.  
 
"We run this enhanced service because we are aware that more trains are required during peak times (mornings and afternoons) for those still going to and from work than a standard Saturday service provides."