SOUTH Western Railway (SWR) has suspended all rail services on its network until at least 6pm.

It comes as the rail operator battles to remove 30 fallen trees from key routes in the wake of Storm Eunice.

Passengers are being “strongly urged” not to travel and make alternative travel plans.

In a joint statement, South Western Railway and Network Rail said: “Gusts of more than 90mph wind have caused multiple incidents across the SWR network today, with 30 fallen trees already blocking key routes.

“As a result, SWR services have been suspended until at least 6pm and we strongly urge customers not to travel at this time. We are working hard to restore services, but ask customers to make alternative travel plans if they can.

“Customers should regularly check the ‘Plan my journey’ page on SWR’s website, which will be updated with the latest information every hour.

“We would like to apologise to our customers for the impact this will have on their journeys, but – as always – our primary concern is the safety and welfare of customers and colleagues out on the network”.