Southeastern investigates claims ‘unauthorised’ person drove high speed Javelin train out of St Pancras

Southeastern is investigating five drivers after claims that a high-speed Javelin train was driven out of St Pancras International by an “unauthorised” person.

The train, which is capable of speeds up to 140mph, was leaving the station for Portsmouth on a fundraiser for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

The Govia-owned rail operator confirmed it has launched an internal investigation into the incident, and has reported it to the Office of Rail and Road, the public body in charge of rail safety regulations.

Three Southeastern train drivers, one driver manager and an instructor were involved in the incident, City PM understands.

At the time, the train was running under the protection of a system known as ATP (Automatic Train Protection), which limits its speed.

A spokesperson for Southeastern said no passengers were endangered by the incident, and that the "unauthorised" person was a Southeastern train driver.

A spokesperson said: “We’re currently investigating a report relating to two experienced Southeastern drivers photographed at the controls of one of our Highspeed trains while not wearing their usual uniform.

“They were under instruction from a qualified driver instructor, and at no point was the safety of the train in question, nor were any of our passengers or members of the public in any danger.

"It’s normal practice for drivers to receive instruction from qualified instructors. We’re investigating whether our normal procedures were followed on this occasion.”