Sky News presenter Mark Austin halted the regular broadcast to deliver a breaking news update after a train derailed near Lewes in East Sussex, prompting a major emergency response.
British Transport Police statement
During the broadcast, Austin read a statement from British Transport Police, saying: "Breaking news, and in the past few moments, British Transport Police have said that a train has derailed near Lewes Station in Sussex. They've released a statement saying this: 'Officers are currently on the scene close to Lewes Railway station. Following reports of a derailed train at 3:54pm today, we're responding alongside paramedics and the fire service, and will provide more information as soon as we can'."
He added: "And there we are. That's Lewes Station there down in Sussex, and it's clear that all the emergency services are now responding to reports of that derailed train. It happened, we're told, close to Lewes Railway Station in Sussex, and the British Transport Police - a very short statement from them."
Emergency services at the scene
Austin continued: "As we speak officers currently on the scene, close to Lewes Railway Station, at the scene of that accident, and they say that paramedics are also there. The fire service has confirmed that it is attending, and all those services saying they will provide more information as soon as we can."
He noted that pictures emerging on social media, which were being verified, appeared to show one or two carriages on their side at the scene on the hottest day of the year. Police, the fire brigade, and paramedics were all attending.
Passengers trapped and lines closed
Austin said: "We will bring you more information. Information is short at the moment, but clearly a serious rail accident has taken place in East Sussex near Lewes railway station, just as soon as we get it."
Around 40 passengers are believed to be stuck inside the overturned train, while others are reported to have escaped by climbing onto the roof of the carriages. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to avoid the area as crews work alongside police and paramedics. All railway lines through Lewes have been closed, with National Rail warning of major disruption to services until 10pm.
