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blood on the tracks

Furious commuters trade blows as dozens of Southern Rail services are cancelled and delayed over strikes and engineering works

Rail passengers hit by the Southern rail strike have suffered even more disruption this morning because of overrunning engineer works

PUNCHES were thrown as angry train ­passengers in London suffered more strike misery.

The start of three days of action by the RMT union over conductors led to a third of Southern rail services being axed yesterday.

The start of three days of action by the RMT union over conductors led to a third of Southern rail services being axed
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The start of three days of action by the RMT union over conductors led to a third of Southern rail services being axedCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Late-running engineering work near Gatwick Airport and a broken down train added to their woes.

At East Croydon, South London Ellie Odurny, 32, said: "This doesn't even begin to do justice to the bedlam of East Croydon station this morning.

“Swearing and punches being thrown. Delightful."

Things get heated between two passengers at Brighton station
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Things get heated between two passengers at Brighton stationCredit: send_brighton_pictures@sendonce.io

 

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Despairing commuters have tweeted out images of the packed platforms at East CroydonCredit: Twitter / @RPM306
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Brighton commuters were also struck by delays because of the strike action this morningCredit: Twitter / @RobbieOnTheTube

Ellie added: "It was pretty chaotic. They'd closed the gates because of platform overcrowding.

"There was a lot of pushing and shoving and some passengers were becoming quite vocal at the staff and rough with one another.

"There was a chap who swung an elbow into someone's face to get in front of them to the gate, and other people really physically pushing each other out of the way just to get to the platform.

"There was a lot of foul language being shouted too, which is just downright unpleasant."

"Commuting from outside of London isn't fun at the best of times but these strikes and constant delays make it virtually unbearable."

 

 

The strike comes after a long-running dispute over the role of conductors.

The action has gone ahead despite reports the RMT union advised its conductor members to accept a deal last week.

Charles Horton, chief executive of Govia Thameslink Railway which owns Southern Rail, told BBC Radio 4 this morning: "I can't tell you when the RMT are going to stop striking.

"They should stop striking now, the reasons for this dispute have ended."

On Monday the RMT made a final attempt to stop the strikes through conciliation service Acas.

However Southern has said using Acas is "no longer an option" as settling disputes through them has failed "countless times".

The walk-out went ahead this morning after last-minute legal action from Southern failed, but details of the challenge have not been revealed by the rail operator.

Southern have said services will be heavily affected by the three-day action, but have said they will be running 61% of their normal timetable.

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Tired passengers were left stranded at Brighton station this morning because of strike action and engineering worksCredit: Darren Owen/Twitter

 

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Sarcastic messages have been stuck to the walls on Southern trains by dissatisfied commutersCredit: Twitter / @LordPlumpton / @CitizenSkwith

 

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One sticker slams Southern Rail for its ticket price hikes despite running a much-maligned serviceCredit: Twitter / @LordPlumpton / @CitizenSkwith

A broken down engineer's train has caused services between Brighton and Gatwick to be cancelled or delayed by  up to an hour.

This morning's disruption was expected to continue until 9am, Southern warned.

Speaking about the legal challenge they received today, Mike Cash the RMT union's general secretary said: "RMT can confirm the receipt of a formal legal challenge from Southern rail in the guards’ safety dispute.

"It is appalling that rather than sitting down with us at Acas today to seek a resolution, the company have chosen to run to the courts under the cloak of the anti-union laws.

"The union intends to continue with the planned action and is examining the details of the paperwork. We will issue a further statement in due course."

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A Twitter picture shows a packed concourse and platforms at Brighton train stationCredit: Twitter / @McBustopher
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Twitter user Andy Critchlow is hoping to get a refund after standing up on his train despite 'paying for a seat'Credit: Twitter / @baldersdale
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Cancelled: The last words you want to see on a dark October morning lit up London train stations todayCredit: Twitter / @ABCommuters

Fourteen days of strikes by up to 400 guards have been announced over the next three months.

At present there will be two strikes in October, two in November, and one in December.

They scheduled dates are as follows:

  • Tuesday 11 October to Thursday 13 October
  • Tuesday 18 October to Thursday 20 October
  • Thursday 3 November to Saturday 5 November
  • Tuesday 22 November and Wednesday 23 November
  • Tuesday 6 December to Thursday 8 December
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In the red: A train times feed shows cancellations have been a regular occurrence on routes this morningCredit: Twitter / @jasonsyrett
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This twitter pics appears to suggest trains were replaced by coaches on Hastings to Brighton routeCredit: Twitter / @cinqagency

Commuters affected by delays may be able to claim a refund from their rail operator.

Passengers took to social media to express their anger at the delays.

One tweeted: "Total chaos this morning, no trains at all to London due to over running engineering works combined with a strike."

Another said he had spent £50 on a taxi to get to work.

The Twitter account for the Association of British Commuters tweeted out: "This is not what passengers pay £1000 a year for. #southernfail Will @Southern Rail UK blame @RMTunion for this today?"

A Southern spokesman said: "We do apologise sincerely to passengers affected.

“Striking today, only three days after union members were instructed to accept the offer shows how militant the RMT has become.

“Whatever the question the RMT answer is always to strike.”


Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368


 

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