Trains were disrupted following reports of a shopping trolley on the tracks near Maidstone East.

Southeastern says services between London Victoria and Ashford will be held or delayed until engineers can assess the situation.

The operators tweeted: "We've had reports of an obstruction on the track near #MaidstoneEast, so trains in the area are being held while safety checks are carried out on the line to ensure it's safe for trains to run.

They added: "Trains can't currently run via #MaidstoneEast towards London because of an obstruction on the track. Checks are being carried out to ensure trains are able to run safely towards Ashford so trains in this direction are also being delayed.

"Some trains between Victoria and Ashford International via #MaidstoneEast will be diverted via Paddock Wood and Sevenoaks while safety checks are carried out."

A further tweet confirmed the reported obstruction was a shopping trolley.

It was reported to have happened shortly after 8pm. The operator said shortly before 9pm that the obstruction was being moved but delays continued.