Trains disrupted after 'significant' fire damage

Train services in Kent are being severely disrupted after a fire caused "significant damage" to signalling cables in Rainham.

Southeastern says services may be delayed, revised or cancelled as no trains can run between Sittingbourne and Gillingham.

It said it was carrying out repairs, but they were more substantial than initially thought.

Disruption is expected to last until the end of the day on Wednesday with a full service anticipated on Thursday morning, the train operator said.

Southeastern says the only stations reachable by rail are Rainham and Newington.

Trains are running between Gillingham and London Victoria, but at a "reduced frequency".

Southeastern said services between Ramsgate/Dover Priory and London Victoria via Canterbury East, will not run between Sittingbourne and London Victoria

High-speed services between Faversham and London St Pancras International have been cancelled, along with some Sheerness line services, it added.

Trains from London Cannon Street to the Medway Towns will also not run on Wednesday evening between 16:41 and 18:41 BST.

Southeastern says in the event that repairs are completed sooner it will still not be able to restore a full timetable as both trains and people would not be in the "right places".

Network Rail has been approached by the BBC for further comment.

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