Trains services were thrown into chaos during this morning's rush hour due to a signalling problem between Ashford International and Folkestone Central.

The problem was outside the freight terminal between Sandling and Folkestone West, which blocked the lines between the stations.

Response staff from Network Rail were called to investigate the fault with the points, and carry out repairs.

Trains were unable to run between Ashford, Folkestone and Dover, affecting routes between St Pancras via Ashford, Dover and Ramsgate, and London Charing Cross to Dover Priory via Tonbridge.

The line had reopened by 9am.

Southeastern apologised for the disruption, and arranged for taxis to collect passengers stranded at stations between Dover and Ramsgate.