High speed services were stopped from Folkestone West this evening after a train hit a shopping trolley left on the line.

Southeastern confirmed a train hit a trolley just after 5pm on the line between Folkestone and Ashford.

Power to the line was turned off while workers removed the trolley, and checked the train for damage.

The train suffered minor damage, and was stopped at Ashford and withdrawn from service for repair.

British Transport Police are investigating how the trolley came to be on the line.

A Southeastern spokesman told KentOnline: "Leaving obstructions on the tracks can be extremely dangerous, and we encourage anyone with any information about the incident to contact the police."

Power is now back on and the obstruction has been removed.

Several services are expected to be delayed as a result of the collision, returning to normal at about 7.30pm.

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