Rail passengers faced disruption after this morning’s downpours flooded the lines near Lower Sydenham.

Trains between London Charing Cross and London Cannon Street to Hayes via Lewisham were delayed by up to 15 minutes or cancelled.

Southeastern arranged a shuttle train between New Beckenham and Hayes.

The disruption continued until at least 12pm.

A Southeastern spokesman said: "Earlier this morning the line between Lower Sydenham and Hayes was shut for short period of time due to flooding.

"The flooding was caused by the sheer volume of rain water on the track.

News Shopper:

Flooding on the railway line at Lower Sydenham

"The rain is now subsiding and the line has re-opened, albeit with speed restrictions imposed.

"We are working hard with Network Rail to restore services back to normal.”

Passengers were advised to use their tickets on London buses between Lewisham and Hayes and London Underground at no extra cost.

News Shopper:

Water swamps the railway line at Lower Sydenham

Tickets could also be used to travel at no extra cost on trams between Elmers End, East Croydon and Beckenham Junction or on Southern trains from East Croydon.