A train has been evacuated after a landslide on the line near West Malling.

It's thought is was caused by the storms that hit the area this afternoon and 18 people were helped off the train by the emergency services.

Firefighters along with officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) helped Network Rail employees get the passengers off the train to safety.

It is thought they were walked along the track to the nearest station where arrangements were being made to get them picked up by coach. No one was injured.

BTP officers also tweeted to say: "This incident is likely to have an adverse effect on trains in the area for the next several hours."

The small landslide meant the train could not travel any further, leaving the passengers stranded on it for about an hour while BTP officers communicated with them via Twitter.

One message read: "From officers on scene they are with the train and will be with you passengers very shortly.

"Thanks for your patience while we work together with @Se_Railway & @NetworkRailSE to formulate a safe plan to de-train you all."

A spokesman for Southeastern Rail said: “We're sorry to our passengers who were delayed today after heavy rainfall caused flash flooding, with debris washed onto the track in some areas.

“A train was brought to a standstill between West Malling and Borough Green after the driver reported hitting an object on the track.

"The 18 passengers were safely evacuated onto the tracks, and escorted to a nearby cafe to await road transport so they could continue their journeys."

The line was cleared at around 6am.

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Read more: All the latest news from Malling