DOZENS of rail passengers were evacuated after an abandoned rucksack sparked a bomb scare at a busy commuter station in Kent.

Police were alerted by staff from South Eastern Trains after a member of public spotted a suspicious package on board a rush hour train at Headcorn Station, near Maidstone.

Police, ambulance and fire crews arrived at the scene soon after the first call at about 6.30pm on Monday.

Rail services running through Headcorn were suspended and replaced by a bus service while some 20 police officers cordoned off the area.

Experts from the bomb squad sent in a remote controlled droid, known as the "wheelbarrow", on a search and destroy mission.

Onlookers were then moved to the other side of the street while a controlled explosion was carried out on what was described as a small black sports rucksack.

The sound of a dull thud as the explosion was carried out brought with it a brief spontaneous wave of applause from some members of the crowd gathered opposite the station entrance.

Speaking at the scene, Insp Bob Slade said although it was a false alarm, the members of the public who identified the package were right to alert the authorities.

He said: "We receive a lot of calls and each is treated on its own merits. As it was on a train and in light of recent events the decision was made to mobilise resources and carry out a controlled explosion."

The bag, which is believed to have been left on the train accidentally, was found to contain trainers and a sports kit.

One stranded onlooker, who was waiting to retrieve his car from the car park just metres beyond the cordon, said: "Our train was stopped at Tonbridge and we were told there was a train further along the line with a suspicious package on board.

"Within about 10 minutes of being evacuated buses were provided to allow us to continue our journey.

"Everyone seemed to accept that after recent events the bomb squad had to be allowed to carry out their job."

The station was reopened at about 9.30pm.