A suspected stolen vehicle being chased by police stuck a railway bridge in south London, blocking all train lines and cancellation of the Gatwick Express.
Officers were in pursuit of two cars in Thornton Heath and Wallington after they failed to stop for police around 4am on Friday.
One collided with a lamppost on the bridge in Whitehorse Road, South Norwood - sending debris onto the rail lines below.
The Metropolitan Police said: “The occupant of the vehicle was taken to hospital.“His injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing. He has also been arrested.
“The other vehicle is still being sought by police.
”The closure of Whitehorse Road, between Bensham Manor Road and Zion Place, remains in place while structural engineers assess damage to the railway bridge wall.
A police spokesman said: “Trains have currently been stopped as there is debris to be cleared from the tracks to ensure safe running of trains.
“We are working in partnership with the local authority, British Transport Police and Network Rail to re-open these transport links as soon as they are safe to use.”
National Rail said all lines are blocked, affecting trains to Gatwick Airport.
ℹ️ #ThorntonHeath - Gatwick Express services will not run. It is recommended that you use alternative Southern or Thameslink services between the South Coast, Gatwick Airport and London.
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) March 15, 2024
Services which run between Selhurst and Streatham Common now either have to be cancelled or diverted as emergency repairs take place
Gatwick Express trains have been stopped, while Southern trains between Redhill and Gatwick Airport and Three Bridges will be diverted into London Bridge.
London Victoria and Epsom Downs and Sutton services will be redirected via Crystal Palace.
Trains between East Croydon, Clapham Junction, Watford Junction and Milton Keynes are suspended.
Scotland Yard said the local authority attended the scene to put temporary safety measures in place.
