Commuters are struggling to get to work as a signalling problem on the railways causes huge delays.

The fault near Folkestone Central means no trains can currently run from Dover Priory towards Folkestone.

While investigating the issue, operator Network Rail found “significant damage” to a rail in a tunnel near Folkestone Central.

Due to the extent of repairs, the line is unlikely to reopen before 3pm meaning services in the area are being delayed, revised and cancelled.

Network Rail tweeted saying: “We're really sorry for the disruption in the Folkestone area this morning.

“An issue with the power supply is impacting the track circuits (part of the signalling system) on this line, which means we aren't currently able to run trains towards Folkestone from Dover.

“Our engineers are on site and have taken a line block so they can walk the affected section of track and find out exactly what's causing the issues with the signalling system.”

It is having a knock-on effect in Ashford, with commuters heading into London left waiting on busy platforms.

Operator Southeastern says anyone needing to travel can “use tickets on Stagecoach buses between Ramsgate, Dover and Ashford Trains from Dover to Victoria Tube between our Terminals”.