Rail services between two East Sussex towns were temporarily halted on Tuesday due to an urgent safety examination of the railway infrastructure.

The line connecting Uckfield and Crowborough was closed to all train operations after engineers were dispatched to investigate a reported problem with the track.

All services were suspended while inspections took place.

Rail replacement buses were mobilised to ferry passengers between the affected stations, with vehicles operating from Crowborough through Buxted to Uckfield.

Travellers were warned to anticipate significantly extended journey times of at least half an hour.

Network Rail confirmed that specialist teams were examining multiple elements of the railway system, including the integrity of rail supports, overall track condition, and the functionality of fixings and metalwork components.

Southern Railway stated that normal operations would not resume until engineers had formally declared the line safe for passenger use.

Earlier estimates suggested disruption would continue until approximately midday.

The company advised passengers seeking the most current journey information to consult online planners or speak directly with station personnel.

Normal rail services between Uckfield and Crowborough have now been restored following completion of the safety checks.

Some residual delays were anticipated as train schedules returned to their regular pattern.