Two carriages of a passenger train derailed at around 9.30pm local time on Sunday (26 July) after hitting some cows near the Chilham station while travelling from Ashford to Canterbury in Kent.

Southeastern Trains said no injuries to passengers were reported and that the line would remain shut for now, with alternative transport being planned to get passengers home.

About 70 passengers were helped off the train by emergency services, BBC said.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "It is believed the train collided with livestock which had strayed on the railway line. Two carriages have been derailed but are upright."

Kentonline said Southeastern spokesman said that the only casualties at this point are the poor cows.

It is not known how many cows were involved in the incident.

Southeastern said the line between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West would be closed until further notice.

In a tweet, the company said: "We're putting alternative transport in place between Ashford, Canterbury & Ramsgate and will make sure everyone gets home this evening.

In a statement on its website, the company said that replcement buses will operate between Ashford International and Ramsgate via Canterbury West all day Monday (27 July).

"It is possible that the disruption may continue longer, with Network Rail on site investigating any structural damage that many have occurred."

It advises passengers to travel from Canterbury East where they can then join a High Speed service at Faversham/Ashford at no extra cost.

A passenger, in a tweet, said that villagers at Godmersham laid out tea at the village hall for the affected passengers.

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