The discovery of two bombs near railway tracks ground train services to a halt this morning.

The line between Folkestone and Dover was closed for about an hour after two shells - believed to have been discovered there before - were dug up again.

Services were cancelled while investigations were carried out near Samphire Hoe.

A replacement bus service was provided for passengers as trains were only travelling as far as Ashford.

The line re-opened at about 11.30am after the Second World War devices were found.

A Southeastern spokesman said: "After reports of the unexploded device we'd been advised to suspend services.

"That's now been dealt with and train services are returning to normal.

"The device had been found before and previously made safe."

They added the bus replacement service would remain in place while services got back to their usual timetabled running.

It is believed that a contractor working in the area dug up two unexploded artillery shells at around 10.30am.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We've been alerted to the incident but British Transport Police will take the lead.

"It's a suspected Second World War device but that's not yet been verified."

Southeastern suspended high-speed services between Ashford and Dover.

Services were diverted via Canterbury West from Ashford as the line was closed between Dover Priory and Folkestone Central.

Passengers from Folkestone were advised to change at Ashford for high speed services.

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