Railway delays after train hits sheep

Trains between Hastings and Ashford were halted on Monday after a train hit a sheep, Southern Rail said.

The incident happened near Rye, East Sussex, at around 14:00 GMT when a flock of sheep strayed onto the tracks.

Limited rail replacement bus services are operating between Ashford International in Kent and Hastings.

The train operator said all lines have since reopened but disruption is expected until 16:00 GMT.

A statement from Southern Railway said: "Network Rail response teams have attended and confirmed that all lines are free of sheep and it is safe to run trains as normal again."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, external, on X, external, and on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to [email protected], external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.