A man has suffered life-changing injuries after an accident between a track maintenance vehicle and a train, which caused major disruption to rail services to part of the county.

Paramedics rushed the casualty to hospital while fire crews dealt with a blaze caused by the collision at the Doolands Moor freight yard in Folkestone shortly before 4am.

The accident left the wagons of the train stuck half way out of the depot, causing major disruption to rail services.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to Dollands Moore Railfreight Depot in Folkestone at 3.51am today after reports of a vehicle in collision with a train.

“Colleagues from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service also attended, and a man was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries.

“British Transport Police officers are working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, who are making inquiries into this incident.”

Replacement bus services were running on Southeastern coastbound trains between Ashford International and Dover Priory.

Trains from Dover to Ramsgate were also diverted via Canterbury West.

The freight train has been moved from the line and trains are able to run from Ashford towards Dover Priory.

Trains running London bound were not been affected.

Fire crews left the scene of the accident at about 5.30am.