Commuters are facing travel chaos as an electrical fault at Gillingham depot has caused major disruption to trains.

The problem was first reported at around 4.30am and could continue to cause problems throughout the morning rush.

Network Rail response staff were called out to assess the situation and have now managed to recharge the electrical supply.

Trains were previously being held in stations with no services running in most of Medway, Sittingbourne, Sheerness and Maidstone.

Delays and cancellations are likely as the problem is having a knock-on impact on Southeastern and Thameslink.

Southeastern lines reopened at around 7.25am and services were expected as normal on the Sheerness and Medway Valley lines by 8.30am.

Disruption was expected until 9am.

As some trains were trapped at the depot earlier this morning there were fewer services running from Strood to Paddock Wood and from Sittingbourne to Sheerness-on-Sea.

Trains are running from Gillingham towards London but they have been severely delayed.

Thameslink services were also affected to and from Rainham and Gillingham but these are now running as normal.

Listen to kmfm, or visit KentOnline’s Traffic page.

Passengers are being told to check before they travel and leave extra time for journeys.