“Chaos”, “mayhem” – passengers using Clapham Junction and London Victoria rail services have endured a nightmare day, with some stuck on trains for nearly six hours.

A power supply problem between Wandsworth Common and Clapham Junction has caused major disruption since this morning.

One train which left Brighton at 6.56am and should have reached Victoria at 8.15am was finally towed into Wandsworth station shortly before 1pm.

Trains are able to run through Clapham and in and out of Victoria, but passengers are warned to expect delays for the rest of the day.

National Rail says to avoid Victoria if possible and use Blackfriars or Waterloo instead, while services to and from London Bridge are also severely delayed.

Emergency services evacuated hundreds of passengers on stranded trains.

Water was passed through to help commuters stuck in sweltering temperatures.

One passenger was treated by London Ambulance.

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Twitter user @joshr's photo of commuters waiting on a platform at Clapham Junction 

Anna Roberts, who works in the Victoria area of London, was stuck on a London-bound train travelling from Brighton.

She said: "It's been nearly four hours now. Police and paramedics boarded our train because there is no air conditioning. They said they were bringing water but not enough for everyone to have one bottle each.

"Eventually we got water in plastic containers which are passing around carriage. We were told that was all that was available.

"With the power off, it's like an oven in here. Police have said it's too dangerous to walk down the track."

FiniasFinn tweeted: "Clapham Junction is worst station ever. I realise it's chaos but no staff helping and being arrogant is not a help."

Thomas Michael Jules wrote: "Avoid Clapham Junction today people! Mayhem!!"

A person called Precious tweeted: "Complete chaos at Clapham Junction this morning as trains are delayed left, right and centre. What a nightmare!"

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Police on board a crowded Brighton to London service which has been stranded for four hours near Clapham Junction. Photo: Anna Roberts/PA

The problem, was caused by damage - between Wandsworth Common and Clapham Junction - to the "third rail" conductor rail which, in turn, damaged some of the trains.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "A major power supply problem between Clapham and Wandsworth Common has disrupted Southern train services into London Victoria.

"Engineers are on site and we aim to resume services as quickly as possible. Tickets are valid on all other routes into London and Southern passengers are advised to avoid travelling through Clapham Junction, which is very busy."

South West Trains services to and from Waterloo via Clapham Junction are unaffected.

There had been delays involving Clapham Junction earlier in the rush-hour due to a lineside fire which caused hold-ups to services on London Overground.