Rail passengers at Clapham Junction were left stranded in shocking conditions when a power failure shutdown trains for hours.

Thousands of people were hit by travel chaos on overground trains in south-west London during the morning rush-hour today (Thursday 30 April).

Witnesses reported fights breaking out as tempers boiled over on platforms, while others were trapped inside sweltering, sealed carriages for up to four hours.

Gatwick Express train services to and from the airport were also affected.

Emergency fire crews led 2,000 people along the tracks to escape on to rail replacement bus services. Some of those stuck inside trains were handed bottles of water in a bid to stave off health problems.

The incident at the largest interchange station in Britain was another blow for beleagured train companies, which were this month branded "s***" by London transport chief, Peter Hendy.

The scenes were described as "absolute chaos" by passengers on social media.

Chiefs blamed the chaos on a fault between Wandsworth and Clapham Junction during emergency engineering works.

Disruption was expected to last until at least the end of the day, raising the prospect of fresh rush-hour chaos for commuters attempting to get home.