Passengers faced rush-hour delays after smoke was seen coming from underneath a train.

Services were unable to run through Maidstone East station following a fault with one of its fleet.

Southeastern says it resulted in power being switched off and emergency services being at the station.

The operator later said it was just smoke and not flames which were coming from the train.

It means passengers faced diversions via Paddock Wood and Tonbridge while work was under way to resolve the issue.

It also led to services being at a standstill between Ashford International and Barming.

Southeastern said replacement buses were on their way to Maidstone East, Otford and Ashford with the last one being on site by 7.30pm.

Following a further inspection shortly before 8pm, it was decided the train would remain at Maidstone East station, with trains to Ashford will not calling at Maidstone East.

Nobody is believed to have been injured following the fault.

At update at 9pm said services were no longer affected all trains can now run as normal, calling at Maidstone East in both directions.

A spokesman added: “If you've been delayed by 15 minutes or more, please claim delay repay.”