AT least one person is reported to have been slightly injured in a derailment of a passenger train at Wimbledon in south west London early today.

Fire crews were called to the scene shortly before 06.00 this morning.

South Western Railway and London Underground District Line services were disrupted, but some lines have now reopened.

South Western Railway said: “One of our trains has suffered a low-speed partial derailment at Wimbledon station, near the platforms used by London Underground District Line services. At the moment, it's blocking access to these platforms, and we're also not able to run trains through platform 5 at Wimbledon. Train services using these platforms may be cancelled or delayed.

“Disruption is expected until midday today. All main lines have reopened between Wimbledon and Clapham Junction, however, lines between Wimbledon Platforms 1-4 (District Line) and East Putney, remain blocked. 

“To reduce the delays to trains, some services may have to be altered or revised at short notice. Some services may also be diverted via an alternative route.”

Reports say the train affected had started from Basingstoke at 04.54, and that a pair of wheels at the rear of the train had derailed as it was leaving Wimbledon.

The number of people hurt is not clear. London Ambulance service has reported four minor injuries, but said no one involved has needed hospital treatment.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry, and inspectors have joined emergency services at the scene.

The RMT responded to the news by repeating its call for trains to have guards. 

SWR services are set to be disrupted on Wednesday and Thursday this week by an RMT strike over train staffing. SWR has said it expects to run 70 per cent of peak hour services during the walkouts, and 60 per cent at other times of the day.