Picture shows extent of damage at St Leonards which caused long rail delays

Southern said the incident on the electric third rail in the Bopeep Tunnel happened at approximately 7.30am.

As a result, services between Bexhill and Ashford International have been delayed for much of the morning.

Services between Bexhill and Hastings to and from London Victoria and Brighton have also been subject to delays and alterations.

National Rail said all services would be disrupted until 11am.

Network Rail said: “Our team found a tin can had short-circuited the live rail at St Leonards.

“This damaged the live rail and we think it will take an hour to repair.

“We will need to block the line while we do that meaning no trains can run.”