Commuters travelling into London faced delays and cancellations today after a "very stubborn swan" refused to move from the train tracks.
Southern Rail said all its lines were blocked at midday after a swan sat down in front of a train between Hove and Worthing in West Sussex.
The rail company tweeted: "Due to a very stubborn swan on the line between Hove and Worthing, all lines are currently blocked".
By 1.30pm, the company tweeted that lines were being reopened, but warned passengers they could face cancellations or delays of up to 30 minutes.
Swan causing chaos on the west coastway! pic.twitter.com/oMA85D3cER
— Martin (@martin466004) 29 October 2018
Southern Rail joked in a later tweet: "Reports that said Swan may be on the train now. The UK, budget version of Dr Dolittle may be gaining some traction..."
Pictures from the scene showed a rail worker trying in vain to shoo the animal off the tracks.
One stranded commuter replied: "That has to be the funniest excuse I’ve heard! I look forward to next week’s instalment…maybe a giraffe."
Another complained: "I’ve currently been stuck on a train for 30 minutes as a swan is on the train track and if that doesn’t sum up my luck right now I don’t know what does!"
⚠️ #SNUpdates - Lines are now clear to open. Services in the area will be subject to delays of up to 30 minutes or cancellation.
🎫Ticket acceptance:
- Brighton and Hove buses on reasonable routes
- Stagecoach 700 on routes from Brighton to Littehampton— Southern (@SouthernRailUK) 29 October 2018
