Southeastern rail passengers are facing severe disruption on the hottest day of the year because of a signal failure.

The fault in the Charing Cross area is causing problems to several lines, with more than 25 trains cancelled during the rush hour and up until at least 7pm this evening.

The disruption comes as temperatures in the city top 30C, marking the hottest day of the year and the warmest September date in more than 50 years.

Travellers are having to endure sweltering conditions as they wait on platforms or trains being held by the signal failure.

Some were reportedly held between stations for as long as two hours.

Many angry passengers have taken to social media to vent their frustration, with some fearing for their health after being stuck in unbearable conditions.

One Twitter user told News Shopper how a mother and her baby were reduced to tears as they waited on a painfully warm train being held between London Bridge and Hither Green.

Neil Danson wrote on Twitter: "Complete shambles on @Se_Railway tonight. Staff have no info, app data wrong."

Another, going by the name of Maddie wrote, : "I'm sweating through every pore of my skin right now. Thanks Southeastern, I didnt want to try the sauna experience though."

The cancellations affecting trains well into rush hour include routes to Dartford, Hayes, Sidcup and Orpington.

Southeastern is advising passengers to avoid Charing Cross, London Bridge and Waterloo East.

Some trains are being diverted via London Victoria, Blackfriars and Cannon Street while Network Rail work to resolve the issue.