Trains heading towards London were halted because of a dead deer on the line.

Southeastern says services between Hastings and Tonbridge have been disrupted while engineers removed the carcass.

The body was discovered at 7am.

Southeastern tweeted: "Due to animals on the line at Wadhurst trains towards London are being disrupted. Response staff are en route to clear the line. Please allow extra time to reach your destination."

It later added: "Unfortunately the deer is deceased and needs removing as it is blocking the conductor rail (this provides the power to the trains)".

Staff are now said to have reached the site and cleared the animal.

An update added: "Staff have removed the obstruction from the line. Power has been restored and lines have been reopened. Disruption to trains between Hastings and Tonbridge expected until 9am"

Power was turned off as Network Rail engineers walked the tracks to reach the deer.

Southeastern had warned: "Trains from Hastings towards London may be held in station platforms whilst the power is switched off to allow response staff to remove an obstruction on the line"

It was estimated the line would reopen at 8.15am. One passenger said he had been stuck on a stranded train for 1hr and 45min.

Southeastern added: "Apologies for the ongoing delays."

Wadhurst is in East Sussex on the Kent border near Bewl Water and Bedgebury Pinetum.

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