Train operator South Eastern is assuring passengers that a leak in one of its station underpasses has not been caused by a burst sewage pipe.

Station managers at Canterbury West say they are aware of the issue and have engineers working to resolve.

Concern had been raised that the leak – described as “a gently flowing stream” – smelled strongly of sewage.

But South Eastern says it has tested the water and can confirm it is definitely not sewage as feared.

A spokesman said the cause was “most likely water pipes”.

Robert Whittaker told the Gazette: "Passengers using the underpass at Canterbury West had an unpleasant surprise on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

“The stairs on the London-bound platform had a gently flowing stream of what at first seemed to be water - but at the turn of the stairs there was a strong smell of sewage."

Hundreds of commuters use the underpass between the two platforms, which serve trains to London on one direction and the coast in the other.

A spokesman for South Eastern said: "Reports by station staff of a leak at Canterbury West station were immediately looked into and tests confirmed this did not involve any sewage.

"Drainage specialists are now working to fix the leak, which likely comes from the water pipes of the adjacent concession shop."