RAILWAY users are experiencing big problems this morning due to an electrical fault.

The problem is affecting the third rail at Winchester and National Rail says the line heading towards Basingstoke is currently blocked.

Trains are expected to be delayed, diverted or cancelled until 4pm today.

One commuter said: "It is absolute chaos. Not a single train has gone up to London. It has been through the whole of the rush hour. There are quite a few unhappy people to put it mildly. Lots are just going home. People are pretty upset."

He said some diesels were going up to Basingstoke, stopping on the Southampton-bound side to pick up passengers.

Ben Goodwin, who commutes to London from Winchester to his job in sales, said: "It's been disruptive but there isn't much we can do. I heard there was damage on the track. I am getting a bus onwards and I'll see what happens."

Lucy Barton, 22, a student in Winchester, said: "I'm visiting home, I only just arrived but it's going to be a really long journey for me."

A National Rail statement says: "There are reports from a driver that there is significant damage to the electric third rail at Winchester, blocking the mainline towards London.

"Network Rail engineers are on site and working hard to rectify the problem as soon as possible.

"Services will be subject to delays, diversions to avoid the affected area or cancellations to avoid congestion.

"For further information, please speak to a member of staff or use a help-point, and please keep checking for updates."