Vandals caused delay for commuters after a train was struck by a shopping trolley they threw onto the railway tracks.

The incident was reported shortly after 5.30pm with services on Southeastern routes between Strood and Paddock Wood affected throughout the evening.

The train operator said the obstruction was near Maidstone West and trains are unable to run as a result.

The power to the lines has been tripped meaning the electrical supply allowing trains to run has been cut off.

Teams from Network Rail were called to remove the trolley, carry out safety checks and reconnect the power.

A spokesman for the train company said: "We’re really sorry for the disruption passengers suffered last night.

"Vandals threw a shopping trolley onto the line near Maidstone Barracks, which came into contact with the electrified rail and caused severe damage.

"Our engineers needed to clamp the rail to make sure trains could run safely, but that meant we weren’t able to reopen the line until shortly before 10pm, so we could only run the last two trains in each direction."

A statement from Southeastern last night added: "We've been advised that the 5.34pm service from Strood to Maidstone West struck a supermarket trolley on the track near Maidstone West.

"Network Rail response staff have removed the trolley from the track and are assessing the damage to the track before the line can reopen.

"Due to the trolley being near the electrified third rail, for safety, services cannot currently run between Strood and Paddock Wood.

"Trains will be held in platforms until we find out more information and will be delayed, altered, or cancelled as a result of the incident."

The disruption lasted until about 9.30pm, according to Southeastern.

An update to passengers at 7.30pm from Southeastern said: "The supermarket trolley has been removed from the railway but the track needs inspecting before the line can reopen."

Rail replacement buses were sent to Strood to run between all stations to Maidstone West but all lines remain blocked, said Southeastern shortly before 8.30pm.

Passengers affected were told their tickets are valid on the Arriva bus routes numbers 71 from Snodland to Maidstone West, 7 from Maidstone to Tonbridge and 101 between Maidstone and Gillingham.