Southeastern train derailed after hitting cows on Kent line

No injuries were reported to crew or passengers

A train has been derailed after hitting cows that had strayed onto the line (Getty)

A train has been derailed after hitting cows that had strayed onto the line.

Southeastern Trains said the incident happened between the villages of Wye and Chilham in Kent, involving a train travelling from Ashford to Canterbury.

It tweeted that the incident involved "cows", with an update on its website saying: “A train travelling between Ashford and Canterbury West has been involved in an incident near Chilham station having collided with livestock which had strayed on the railway line.

“At this moment, no injuries to passengers on board the train have been reported.”

Kent Fire and Rescue said it had send four appliances to the scene near Olantigh Road.

A 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 and there are no reports of any injuries.

“Fire crews are attempting to gain access to evacuate passengers.”

Passenger Jonathan Calder tweeted a picture from the train, showing the carriage in front of his at an angle, with the right-hand side of it clearly no longer on the rails. He wrote: "Everyone is fine but this train is going nowhere. Front coach derailed."

Southeastern tweeted: "The line between Ashford & Ramsgate via Canterbury is closed until further notice after train collided with herd of cows. No passenger injuries.

"We're putting alternative transport in place between Ashford, Canterbury & Ramsgate and will make sure everyone gets home this evening."

PA