Trains passengers across Kent have suffered hours of disruption today after a fire next to the railway line at Margate this morning.

Southeastern said the blaze damaged two overhead cables, which needed to be replaced by Network Rail engineers.

Services began running again at about 10.30am - after big delays between Cannon Street and Broadstairs, Victoria and Ramsgate, St Pancras International and Broadstairs, and between Cannon Street and Ramsgate.

Services had been cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes, with a replacement bus and shuttle train service in operation.

And even when late trains did arrive, commuters struggled to fit onto overcrowded carriages.

Southeastern said the repairs will finished by 10.30am, with disruption expected until about 2pm.

Meantime, passengers were advised to travel to Ramsgate and get trains to Charing Cross or Cannon Street.

Buses were running between Ramsgate and Faversham via Margate, with tickets also accepted on London Underground trains.

Earlier, a Southeastern spokesman said: "Passengers for London are advised to travel to Ramsgate, and join services to Charing Cross or Cannon Street.

"London Underground will accept ticket holders between London terminals. Passengers may also use high-speed services to get to London.

"A bus service is in operation between Ramsgate, Margate and Faversham.

"A shuttle train service is in operation between Faversham and Herne Bay."