Kent line closed by cows-on-line derailment to reopen

Train services are set to resume following the derailment of a passenger train which hit cows on a line in Kent.

One carriage came off the rails when the herd was struck by the train near Godmersham on Sunday. Sixty-five passengers were helped to safety.

Network Rail said the line between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West would reopen on Thursday.

About 400 yards (365m) of track have been replaced, along with repairs to sleepers, ballast and a small bridge.

British Transport Police said the incident happened at about 21:45 BST on Sunday and involved an eight-coach train which was travelling from London Charing Cross to Ramsgate.

The derailed train was lifted back on to the tracks on Monday evening, after which an assessment of the damage to the line was carried out.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We now hope to reopen the Ashford International to Canterbury West line in time for the start of service on Thursday 30 July."