Network Rail confirmed disruption for high-speed passenger services to and from London St Pancras International after the incident. A “low-speed” derailment happened at the Hoo Junction depot between Gravesend and Strood in Kent in the early hours of Thursday.

       One of the train’s wheels came off the rails, leading to several wagons blocking southbound lines.

       The derailment is currently causing delays and cancellations to passenger services operated by Southeastern.

       High-speed services from London St Pancras International towards Strood are now being diverted after Ebbsfleet International.

       A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed to Express.co.uk the derailment was “was one wheel of a locomotive in the yard at Hoo”.

       They added: “The line was blocked by the train it was pushing and once that was dragged clear of the railway, passenger trains were able to run again.”

       Another spokesperson said: “We’re really sorry to passengers delayed this morning due to a low speed derailment of a freight locotmotive at Hoo Junction in Kent.

       “Our teams attended site and used a rescue locomotive to remove the wagons blocking passenger trains and there were no reported injuries.

       “The derailed train and the rescue train are now both clear of the running railway lines and services have resumed again. Please check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information.”

       Southeastern warned trains heading towards London “may be delayed or amended at short notice”.

       They said in a statement: “Following a derailment at a depot between Gravesend and Strood, all lines have reopened. Trains between these stations may be cancelled or delayed. This is expected until 12:00.

       “A freight train derailed earlier this morning within the depot, but it blocked the line from Gravesend to Rochester while it was moved.

       “Network Rail teams have now moved the affected train back into the depot, so all lines have now reopened.”

       Southeastern also shared at 9:19am the lines had been reopened for commuters, meaning trains can run again in both directions.

       They said: “Trains can now run again in both directions, with the 08:25 service from St Pancras to Ramsgate being the first train to run towards Rochester.

       Trains in both directions may still be disrupted while we work to get trains back on time again, so some services may still be amended at short notice.”

       It followed Southeastern bringing in a reduced timetable from Monday due to high covid cases.

       David Wornham, Passenger Services Director, Southeastern, said: ”Like many other operational businesses, many of our frontline colleagues are being affected by the virus, and this, in turn, impacts the train services we can reliably operate for passengers.

       “We’ve therefore decided to bring in a reduced timetable, which affects around 7 percent of our train services so that we can offer passengers more certainty that trains will be operating and on time.

       “We’ll keep the reduced timetable under constant review, alongside reacting to any updated travel advice and guidance when this is issued.”