Trains were at a standstill at Sutton Station after an electrical cable exploded on the platform causing severe travel disruptions across its rail networks.

A spokesperson for Network Rail, which owns Sutton Station, said: “This morning there was what we call an electrical supply problem which created a spark or a small bang at the station.

“We have got Network Rail engineers on site assessing the situation and investigating it and trains are not stopping at the station at this time. It is not possible to get a time when services will stop there. I’d say to check back after lunchtime. “

Passengers were warned about severe delays throughout the day and for the days to come and it had been suggested that commuters seek other travel arrangements. As a result of travellers seeking other routes the queues at other rail and bus station was huge and many had to queue for hours to get on the next available bus.

Franck Merveaux, travelling to Sutton to get a connection to Wimbledon for work, said: "We pay a lot for our season tickets and stuff and then you get things like this. A couple of weeks ago it was floods, before that it was the wind. It will be snowing soon and there will be more delays. We pay so much for such an unreliable service. It's not on - I'll definitely be looking for a refund."

Naomi West, a shop assistant travelling from Balham to get to work, said "I'm annoyed but you just have to deal with it. There's no point getting angry about things you can't control. But my phone's low on battery so I may not be so good natured in half an hour!"