Witnesses have described flashing lights like "a firework display" on tracks at New Eltham station, leading to emergency engineering work stopping trains travelling between Lewisham and Dartford via Sidcup this morning.

Stephen Johnson, 18, of Merrilees Road, Sidcup, told News Shopper the bright flashes were "slightly worrying and equally spectacular". 

He said: "A Crayford bound train passed through New Eltham station and triggered a firework display-like electrical fault with the live rail.

"Sparks and bright flashes flew out and a loud crackling could be heard. It didn't halt my 7.43am Cannon Street service at all, but it did make my day a bit more interesting."

WARNING: offensive language

Video by @BenHartt_

Twitter user Olivia Rose wrote: "Oh my god new Eltham train tracks just start exploding everyone running."

A spokesman for Southeastern said the problem had been caused by a breakage in the join between two conductor rails. That meant electricity was arcing into the ground, causing sparks but no actual fire.

Services are now up and running again.

An investigation is under way into what caused the problem.

Maybe this incident will feature in a future top 10 bizarre but real reasons given for train delays