Rail users faced delays and cancellations this afternoon after a fallen tree blocked a key railway line.

Southeastern warned passengers trains running through Bexleyheath station "may be delayed by up to 15 minutes, cancelled or diverted”.

But the train operator has since said the line has reopened, although disruption is expected until about 6.45pm.

Earlier, the train operator confirmed on its website: "We have received a report of a tree blocking the line at Bexleyheath. This is blocking both directions."

Passengers travelling through Kent towards London were already facing issues due to engineering work taking place between Charing Cross and New Cross, closing all lines. It means no trains will run to or from Charing Cross or Waterloo East.

It comes as Storm Amy batters the county, with a Met Office alert for strong and gusty winds in force until 7pm today.

Winds are expected to reach 45 to 55mph in places, and up to 60 to 65mph along some exposed coasts.

Southeastern advised services "are unable to travel on the Bexleyheath line and will be subject to delays, cancellations or diversion via the Woolwich line”.

Staff were called to the scene to examine and remove the tree.

Commuters were urged to allow extra time for their journeys and to use the Southeastern journey planner for updates.

For those needing an alternative, Southeastern adds passengers may use their ticket at no extra cost on London Buses between Barnehurst to Blackheath to complete their journey.