Train passengers between Newington and Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey have been stranded because a man is walking on the railway line.

Network Rail turned off the power to the tracks and train operator Southeastern says it may be 5pm before services are running again.

A tweet by National Rail says there is a "trespass incident" between Sheerness-on-Sea and Sittingbourne which is "causing disruption to trains."

It warns: "Trains between Sheerness-on-Sea, Newington and Sittingbourne may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 5pm."

The branch line linking the Sheppey service to London is affected.

On passenger affected tweeted: "Having fun on train stuck before Kemsley. Man sitting down on railway line and we can't get any further.

"He's decided to walk to Sittingbourne so they have shut off the power."

At 4pm the line through Sittingbourne was reopened but trains are still running at reduced speed.

A Southeastern spokesman said: "The emergency services are continuing to search for the person. Apologies for the disruption to your journeys this afternoon."

The next train from Sheerness to Sittingbourne is the 4.48pm but passengers were warned it may "incur delays."

Latest update at 4.20pm from Southeastern: "All lines have now reopened following a trespass incident between Sheerness-on-Sea and Sittingbourne.

"Trains between Sheerness-on-Sea and Sittingbourne may still be delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised. Disruption is expected until 17:00."

Network Rail says passengers using Twitter should check for updates using the hash-tag #SheernessonSea

It added: "You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today.

Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim."