A POTENTIAL train disaster was averted at Sandling Station near Hythe after police removed a lump of metal from the track.

Officers were called to the station yesterday after a member of public reported an object on the mainline track.

They alerted the driver of an oncoming train to the danger and it managed to stop. The electricity supply to the tracks was turned off and the seven-foot long metal pole was removed before any damage was done.

A 16-year-old boy from Ashford was arrested at the scene on suspicion of obstructing the railway.

Sgt Pat Geary said: "If it hadn't been for the quick thinking actions of members of the public who phoned us and the quick response of my officers this could have been very serious. I applaud their actions."

The boy was taken into custody at Folkestone police station for questioning. The matter is being investigated by British Transport Police.