Passengers experienced delays this morning after a line was damaged during routine maintenance.

Network Rail say the trouble started when a piece of equipment, which was being used to maintain the track near Kemsing, broke down unexpectedly.

As a result, the conductor rail which supplies power to trains was damaged.

This caused disruption to services between Ashford International and St Pancras, with several trains being cancelled.

Network Rail say they fixed the line by 7am.

A spokesman said: “Our work to improve and maintain the railway takes place every night, when trains aren’t running.

"This morning a crucial piece of equipment working to maintain track at Kemsing, near Maidstone, broke down suddenly and damaged the conductor rail which supplies power to trains.

"We managed to get the equipment clear of the line and repair the damage to the railway by 7am, however disruption continued for some time.

“We apologise to passengers who were disrupted this morning and would urge passengers to use the delay repay scheme to claim compensation.

"We know how unwelcome disruption is to passengers and are investigating how we can guard against this type of machine failing in future.”