A strike planned by 1,200 Southeastern rail workers has been suspended after the train operator launched legal action - but the dispute is "far from over".

Thousands of commuters across Kent were facing severe disruption to services on Monday and Tuesday because of a proposed walkout over pay and safety issues.

Around 400 members of the RMT Union were to strike over the role of guards on the new high-speed service, due to start running next year - but Southeastern claimed the strike was illegal and sought an injunction against the RMT Union.

The union's response was to suspend the action to give it time to ensure the action does comply with the law, while avoiding a lengthy court hearing and confusion among members.

The plan is for a 'driver-only' service, which means drivers will have more responsibilites, including opening and closing the train doors.

But Bob Crow from the RMT argued: "The driver should be left with the driving. On one hand people are complaining drivers are going through red signals and on the other hand giving them more responsibilities.

"The responsibility for the safety of the travelling public should be left with the guard."

Another 750 union members were due to strike against a 4.3 per cent pay offer. RMT confirmed on Friday that this action had been suspended after Southeastern made a revised pay offer, which is a pay rise for the lowest wage ranks of staff. Members will consider the offer in meetings next week.

Mr Crow added: "This is not over. It just means we may have to ballot again on strike action in the future."