Railway services were brought to a standstill after reports of sheep on the tracks.

No services were running between Hastings and Ashford “until further notice,” Southern Rail announced earlier today.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, a spokesman said: “We've received reports of animals on the railway between Hastings and Ashford.

“All lines are blocked between these stations.

“Services cannot run in either direction between Hastings and Ashford International until further notice.

“Please delay travelling until later today, when the line has reopened.

“We are unable to provide an estimate for this at present.”

Services have now returned to normal, and the trespassing animals were identified as sheep.

The spokesperson said: “Disruption caused by sheep on the railway earlier today between Hastings and Ashford International has now ended.

“Services are no longer affected by this problem.”