Services have been disrupted this afternoon after a train struck a tree which had fallen on the line.

Journeys between Ashford and Tonbridge were delayed as a result.

The tree fell as gusts and showers battered the county. Flood alerts have been issued across Kent for the second day this week.

Train operator Southeastern posted shortly before 4pm: “Due to a train hitting a tree that had fallen across the tracks at Pluckley, the line between Ashford to Tonbridge is currently blocked.

“Engineers are on their way to help move the train and remove the tree.”

In an update shortly before 4.15pm, the firm said: "Engineers are expected to arrive on site within 30 minutes to clear the tree blocking the line near Pluckley.

“The line is now blocked in both directions. Trains will be diverted to run via Maidstone East and we are in the process of sourcing replacement buses.”

By 4.30pm, some progress had been made. Southeastern said: “Engineers have cleared the line from Tonbridge to Ashford, but the tree at Pluckley is still blocking the line towards Tonbridge. Trains will be able to move through the area using the single track, taking turns to pass through the affected area.”

A further update shortly after 5.30pm said the tree had been cleared from the line and it had reopened in both directions.