Rail services are beginning to get back up to speed after a freight train came off the tracks and blocked the high speed line to London.

The derailment happened late yesterday night between Gravesend and Higham.

Train operator Southeastern put on buses to replace trains between Rochester, Strood and Gravesend, but the line has re-opened as of 10am.

The first services to run are the 10.39 from London Charing Cross to Gillingham and the 11.24 heading the other way.

Some delays and alterations are still likely, with replacement buses still on hand.

The train derailed as it entered a yard between Gravesend and Higham just before midnight.

A Network Rail spokesman said earlier this morning: "Owing to a freight train that has partially derailed between Gravesend and Strood, we are not able to run any services on this section of the line.

"Our engineers are on site and attempting to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, but in the meantime services in the area will be disrupted and journeys may take longer than usual.

"We advise passengers to check before they travel today (Saturday, May 20) and would like to thank them for their patience."

He added that there were no injuries in the derailment.

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