'Very stubborn swan' sparks travel misery on Southern Rail after refusing to budge from tracks

Lines were blocked for a period of time (Picture: @martin466004)

A “very stubborn swan” sparked misery for commuters travelling into London after it refused to budge from the rail tracks.

All lines were blocked between Hove and Worthing on Monday after the swan sat down in front of a train on the line.

Southern Rail said lines were completely blocked for roughly 45 minutes with passengers suffering delays and cancellations.

The rail company tweeted: “Due to a very stubborn swan on the line between Hove and Worthing, all lines are currently blocked.”

⚠️ #SNUpdates - Due to a very stubborn swan on the line between Hove and Worthing, all lines are currently blocked.

Tickets are currently being accepted on the 700 bus route between Brighton and Littlehampton.

— Southern (@SouthernRailUK)

October 29, 2018

Providing updates, Southern Rail added: “Reports said that Swan may be on the train now. The UK, budget version of Dr Dolittle may be gaining some traction.”

Pictures of a rail worker trying to shoo the animal away were also shared.

Swan causing chaos on the west coastway! pic.twitter.com/oMA85D3cER

— Martin (@martin466004)

October 29, 2018

One amused commuter replied saying: “That has to be the funniest excuse I’ve heard! I look forward to next week’s instalment…maybe a giraffe.”