LONDON BRIDGE has been hit by a new problem -- a hole more than four metres deep under the railway at Forest Hill.

Southern and Thameslink passengers are being advised to avoid the station this evening (18 July), and Govia Thameslink Railway has warned of widespread disruption to its services.

The hole means that two lines to London Bridge have been closed, and Network Rail is now rushing 50 tonnes of ballast to the site to make emergency repairs.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Earlier today a hole believed to be four metres deep was found in the Forest Hill area. 

“More than 50 tonnes of ballast is on its way to the site to fill the hole and engineers will be working through the evening and throughout the night to try and fix the problem.

“There will be a reduced service this evening from London Bridge as people head home and we would encourage people to seek alternative routes if possible. 

“Our aim is to have the railway fixed for tomorrow morning but holes like this can be unpredictable. Until the ballast is packed into the hole we won’t know for certain if the hole is stable or not, so passengers are advised to check before they travel.”

Southern and Thameslink passengers are advised to use either Victoria or Blackfriars tonight. Thameslink trains from Brighton to London Bridge are terminating at Gatwick Airport. Southern tickets are being accepted on London Buses, London Underground, South West Trains, Southeastern and London Overground services on any reasonable route.

Caterham, Tattenham Corner and Uckfield trains will still start from London Bridge but some may be delayed or cancelled.

Victoria to London Bridge trains should still run, but are being diverted via Peckham Rye. Some trains may only run between London Victoria and Beckenham Junction. Southeastern services are not affected.