Trains hit with major disruption after ‘knife fight’ sparks travel chaos as cops arrest three men

THREE men have been arrested after an alleged knife attack at a train station caused travel chaos.

Streatham Common station in South London was closed after the horrific altercation, which led to significant disruption on major train lines.

Police rushed to the scene after receiving reports of an altercation with a knife around 11.25am this morning.

Two men in their 20s were injured in the blade fight, but have since been released from hospital and taken into custody.

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The pair were arrested on suspicion of affray, while another man in his 50s was also arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and possession of a bladed article.

Thameslink and Southern rail services in Central and South London were cancelled or significantly delayed into the afternoon.

Other affected services include National Rail and Gatwick Express.

“If you are travelling to Gatwick Airport or Luton Airport during this time, please make sure to check your train and allow plenty of time in order to catch your flight,” National Rail advised.

British Transport Police has urged anyone with information about the altercation to come forward.

It said: “Officers were called to reports of a fight involving a knife at Streatham Common Railway Station at 11:25am today (17 May).

“A man in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of Actual Bodily Harm and Possession of a Bladed Article and remains in police custody.

“Two males in their 20s have been arrested for Affray. They were taken to hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing. Both have now been discharged and remain in police custody.

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“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 202 of 17 May.”

Disruption is set to continue into the evening, with Thameslink Railway’s website advising disruption to trains is expected until 7.00pm.

It said: “Following a number of incidents across the network earlier today, all lines have reopened. Gatwick Express, Southern, and Thameslink trains may still be cancelled, delayed or revised whilst service recovers.”

All lines have now reopened, though travellers have been warned that delays are set to continue.

This comes after the emergency response at Streatham Common and further disruption after a person was hit by a train earlier today between Bedford and Luton.

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The website added: “If you are travelling between Bedford, Luton and London and between London, East Croydon and Brighton on a Thameslink service, there will be significant delays and possible short-notice alterations while service recovery takes place.”

Tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on many other routes, including LNER, London buses and underground, East Midlands Railway or other Thameslink services.