UK passenger train derails and flips near the town of Lewes

At least three cars were seen on their sides, while emergency workers tended to passengers

A passenger train derailed on Thursday in southern England, leaving at least three cars flipped on their sides.

Aerial footage showed firefighters and paramedics attending to passengers in a field next to the derailed train, with several ambulances and three helicopters standing by.

There were no immediate official reports of injuries, though one passenger said he saw people who were bleeding.

The Southern Rail train from Victoria station in London to Eastbourne derailed outside the tourist town of Lewes, the rail line and Network Rail said in a joint statement.

Passenger Rob Bradley said the train began rocking as it picked up speed and the carriage he was riding in with his six-year-old daughter jumped upwards and the brakes immediately engaged.

“Everything got thrown forward. My laptop, my AirPods, our bags,” Bradley told the BBC.