Landslips in East Sussex disrupt Southeastern trains

The landslips near Crowhurst station and West St Leonards were on Thursday

Southeastern rail passengers faced disruption after severe weather caused two landslips on the Hastings line in East Sussex on Thursday.

Lines between Robertsbridge and Hastings were blocked near Crowhurst and West St Leonards.

Buses were used and a shuttle train operated between Robertsbridge and Tunbridge Wells in Kent for connecting services to London.

Network Rail worked overnight to clear the line, which reopened at 12:30 GMT.

Further severe weather is forecast later with high winds and more heavy rain predicted for the south-east of England.

Network Rail said in order to ensure the safety of passengers, and with the risk of trees falling on to railway lines, flooding and more landslips, trains across parts of the Southeastern network would have a 40mph speed restriction from 20:00 GMT until the close of service.

It also warned that some services could be delayed or cancelled at short notice and that trains on Saturday could also be affected.