A child on the rail line saw train services between Strood and Maidstone suspended this morning.

Services were stopped for safety reasons.

The intruder was spotted between New Hythe and Aylesford.

Southeastern said that it had been obliged to turn off power to the live rail at about 8am and call British Transport Police to remove the intruder.

Services resumed by 9.20am after the intruder was removed by British Transport Police.

A BTP spokesman said: "British Transport Police were called to the line near New Hythe railway station at 7.52am this morning (25 May) following concerns for the welfare of a child.

"Officers attended and the child was taken to a place of safety before being returned to his home address."