Network Rail urges people not to travel by train today unless '˜absolutely essential'

The rail operator has apologised to the passengers who were trapped on trains overnight, on the South Western Railway network, due to extreme weather.

A spokesperson for the company said: ‘We worked closely with South Western Railway and the emergency services through the night who responded to the most vulnerable passengers.

‘All were removed from trains earlier this morning, but the ongoing extreme weather meant emergency services were not able to evacuate people sooner.

‘We are asking people not to travel across the South Western Railway network today unless absolutely essential.

‘Services across the route will be stopping early this evening.

‘We thank passengers for their patience as we manage these extreme conditions and anyone who has to travel today should check National Rail and South Western Railway websites.’