Damage to rail line between Portsmouth and London left commuters stuck

The line between Portsmouth and London was reopened after several hours yesterday after part of the track in the London direction was damaged.

South Western Railway said a driver had reported ‘significant damage’ to the electrical third rail at Winchester, on the Portsmouth to London line.

All lines between Eastleigh and Basingstoke were blocked, but were eventually reopened yesterday.

Train services between Portsmouth Harbour and London Waterloo via Basingstoke were cancelled, with rail replacement buses in operation.

Passengers are asked to go to the South Western Railway website for any more information.