Trains were delayed after cable thieves cut a railway electricity line.

The cable was cut near Sturry, and left phone lines dead between Sturry and Minster signal boxes and at user-operated level crossings.

Network Rail tweeted: "Sorry to say cable thieves have been out near Sturry and in attempting to steal from us, they've brought disruption to Southeastern passengers.

"We're working on a plan to keep trains moving, but there will be delays.

"While trains are still able to run, they are running at reduced speed and picking up delays as a result.

"If you're using a user-worked crossing on this line and you find the phone dead, please use your mobile to call the number listed inside the phone.

"We are working on getting this fixed ASAP - thank you for your patience."

Southeastern tweeted at 7.52pm to say the disruption between Sturry and Minster had ended and trains were able to run normally.

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