A number of railway lines across Kent were shut down this morning because of a "major" signalling fault.

Operators were forced to cancel trains because of an issue originating out of Strood station in Medway shortly before 6am.

No Southeastern services were running between London St Pancras and Faversham, London St Pancras and Ramsgate, Gravesend and Gillingham, Swanley and Gillingham, and Strood and Maidstone West.

The operator explained: "A fault has occurred within the signalling centre that controls the signalling system on routes to, from and via Strood/Rochester.

"Network Rail response staff are investigating the cause but are currently unable to advise when the issue is likely to be fixed."

A "limited" bus replacement service was put on for affected passengers.

Thameslink services were also not running between Rainham/Gillingham, Dartford and London Bridge.

The issue was resolved by 10am.