A Southern Rail worker pleaded with commuters to stop asking when their train will arrive, it has been claimed.

Battle-weary commuters using Southern services have faced late and cancelled trains, strike action and a reduced timetable in recent weeks.

This morning a slew of trains have been delayed or cancelled, including because of a lack of crew.

Southern had claimed its reduced timetable, which saw train numbers slashed by up to half on some routes, would result in a 'more reliable' service.

But an announcer at Balham station was apparently no better off than customers last night and is said to have begged commuters: "Please stop asking me what time trains are. I have no information."

It is a complaint echoed frequently by station staff at Wimbledon where information boards and even computer systems do not display up-to-date arrival times or cancellations.

Southern was due to continue negotiations with the RMT union today.