Rail operators warned of cows on tracks before train derailed in Kent

Trains between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West have been suspended after the incident

The train from Ashford to Canterbury which was derailed (Twitter/Jonathan Calder)

A rail operator was warned that cows had strayed on to a line almost an hour before a train derailed after hitting two of the animals.

A driver told Network Rail that a cow was on the line between Wye and Chilham in Kent at 8:50pm on Sunday, and the sighting was investigated.

However, staff did not find any cows before the Southeastern train travelling from Ashford to Canterbury collided with the animals at around 9:40pm, according to a spokesman from the rail firm.

The emergency services attended the incident, and evacuated sixty-five passengers from the train after two carriages came off the tracks. The vehicles remained upright, and no one was injured, according to Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

A Network Rail spokesman added that the fences in the area were last inspected three weeks ago and found to be in good condition.

A Southeastern spokesman thanked the train driver who jumped out of his cab and ran down the track in order to stop a train approaching the site of the collision.

"He was then able to contact the signaller through the radio of this train to switch off the power to the lines.

The spokesman added that the passengers were taken to a nearby village hall after the incident, where they were given refreshments and arrangements were made for them to get home.

Jonathan Calder, Liberal Democrat blogger, was on board the train and tweeted updates during the incident, including one which showed a derailed carriage tipping on its side.

Trains between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West were suspended on Monday, and replacement buses were put in place while staff removed the train from the track.

Additional reporting by PA