Southern Railway drivers have rejected a deal to resolve a long-running row over driver-only trains.

The Aslef union and owner of Southern, Govia Thameslink Railway, held talks with the aim to end a long-running dispute which sparked a series of strikes.

The proposed resolution to the dispute was rejected by 54.1 per cent in a turnout of 72 per cent.

The decision has now lead to fears of new strikes, as London Underground drivers will walkout in a row over "displacement" of staff.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on parts of the Tube's Central line will walk out for 15 hours from 9pm on February 21.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: "We understand and support the decision arrived at democratically by our members and will now work to deliver a resolution in line with their expectations."

Govia chief operating officer Nick Brown said: "Naturally we’re saddened and hugely disappointed, as will be our passengers, with today’s decision by drivers, particularly as the agreement carried the full support and recommendation of the Aslef leadership.

"We now need to understand the issues which led to this outcome and we’ll be seeking to meet with the union as soon as possible to see how we can agree a way forward.”