FRUSTRATED rail commuters from Tunbridge Wells found themselves stranded early today when a train failed after entering the town's central railway station.

The London-bound service, already packed with passengers from stations in Sussex, blocked following trains and caused rush-hour chaos.

Among services affected were the 0738 to Cannon Street and the 0758 and 0801 trains to Charing Cross.

Business travellers, schoolchildren and others trying to head north via High Brooms and Tonbridge stared impotently at service screens, rang homes and offices on mobile phones or simply shrugged their shoulders and went in search of alternative transport or refreshments.

Taxis were at a premium outside the station and the station cafeteria and nearby food bars were packed.

Connex apologised for the disruption and said checks would be made to find out why the train, made up of decades-old "slam door" rolling stock, had failed.