A person has been hit by a train prompting services to be cancelled.

Emergency services were called to the incident last night near Staplehurst.

Southeastern initially said services were affected due to safety inspections along the track between Ashford and Paddock Wood at about 9.50pm.

But about 30 minutes later the rail operator confirmed a person had been struck by a train.

Police and paramedics were sent to the scene.

The electricity was turned off to the railway while rescue efforts took place.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the patient survived.

Emergency services were at the scene until shortly before 1am.

Trains are running normally and to schedule this morning.

The police, fire service and paramedics have been asked for more information.