Travel chaos erupts after train slams into car at level crossing

A train has crashed into a broken down car at a level crossing in Kent, Southeastern Railways has said.

The car is believed to have stopped on the track where it crosses Island Road in Sturry before it was hit this afternoon.

Southeastern trains which operates the line released a statement saying all lines were currently blocked between Canterbury West and Ramsgate.

The firm said: "We've received information about a collision at a level crossing near Minster, blocking all lines between Canterbury West and Ramsgate. Emergency services and response staff are on site.

"Trains are unable to run between Ashford International and Ramsgate via Canterbury West. Some high Speed trains which usually run via Canterbury West are diverted to run via Dover Priory.

"Please allow extra time to complete your journey and check before you travel. We are attempting to source replacement buses and will confirm once these are in place."

Southeastern said passengers can use alternative Stagecoach buses between Ramsgate, Canterbury, Ashford and Dover (routes 1X, 8. 8A and the Loop) and the London Underground between the terminal stations.

Elsehwere in the country, commuters in parts of England faced disruption on road and rail services with social media images showing tracks at a train station in Shropshire completely submerged and abandoned cars on an empty motorway in Gloucestershire.

An amber rain warning issued by the Met Office for areas of the Midlands and the south of the country, and a separate yellow rain warning for large parts of England and Wales, both ended on Friday.

But the Met Office on Friday has now issued a further yellow weather warning of strong winds which may cause disruption across the south west of England and Wales on Sunday.

Winds will strengthen from west to east during Sunday, with gusts of 50-55 mph likely in places, exceeding 60mph in the most exposed areas. The Met Office said this will be accompanied by outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, which could lead to some surface water and spray.

Winds will gradually ease across Wales and inland parts of south west England through Sunday evening and night, but it may remain fairly windy along some coasts of southern and south-western England during Sunday night.

Some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and large waves, with some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport likely, along with disruption to bus and train services.