Talks between Southern bosses and union RMT have broken down meaning planned strikes will go ahead over the coming weeks.

The rail company has warned its services, including those from Tonbridge and Ashford, will be severely disrupted by the strikes, which started yesterday.

The industrial action will take place from Tuesday to Thursday on a number of weeks throughout October, November and December, including next week.

Guards are walking out over plans to remove them from trains, which the union has described as a dangerous move.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT entered talks with Charles Horton from Southern Rail this morning in good faith and with every intention of trying to reach an agreement.

"However, it became clear right from the outset that Mr Horton is refusing to stick by the assurances he gave to the media yesterday that he can 'absolutely' guarantee a second member of staff on all current Southern services with a conductor.

"This dispute isn’t about who opens and closes the doors, it is about that absolute guarantee of a second safety-competent member of staff on these Southern services.

"RMT is angry and frustrated that a golden opportunity to resolve this dispute has been wrecked. Passengers will rightly share our anger. The programme of industrial action goes ahead with the union remaining committed to genuine and meaningful talks."

A Southern spokesman said today: "Industrial action will severely disrupt Southern train services with no train service on some of our routes and a much reduced service on others."

For details of the revised timetable during periods of industrial action click here.