Trains heading towards one of Kent's major stations have been disrupted due to a freight train that is struggling in poor rail conditions.

Ice on the line left the locomotive stranded, preventing trains from getting to Ashford International.

An additional train was sent from the depot at Tonbridge to attach to the freight train, which is carrying Tarmac weighing over 15,000 tons across 18 wagons.

It has been moved but train services will remain disrupted until about 10am.

Trains to London are unaffected.

Services from the capital heading coastbound can run as far as Maidstone East but all the Victoria to Ashford or Canterbury journeys are being diverted, so buses will be in operation.

Train operator Southeastern has arranged for buses to replace trains from Otford to Maidstone and from Maidstone to Ashford International.

Trains are able to run from Ashford via Maidstone to London.