A small dog escaped on to a railway line and was hiding beneath a train stopping services running this afternoon.

The animal was found on the tracks between Eltham and Kidbrooke causing disruption to surrounding services, Southeastern said.

Trains were currently unable to move as teams work to get the dog safely removed from the railway.

Network Rail staff were called in to help rescue the stricken canine.

The report of the dog on the line was received at about 3pm.

A spokesman for Southeastern said: "There is a dog on the tracks between Eltham and Kidbrooke, we have been advised that the dog has gone into hiding underneath the 14.27 Dartford to London Victoria service.

"Network Rail response teams are on site and attempting to safely lead the dog away from the tracks."

At 4pm, Southeastern confirmed the dog had been found and recovered and is safe and well and trains are able to run again.

The owner has been contacted and is on their way to meet the Network Rail staff member who rescued pooch.

Tickets are being accepted on London buses between Dartford and Lewisham via Bexleyheath.