A signal failure is causing severe delays between Charlton and Dartford this afternoon.

Delays are expected until at least 5pm this evening due to National Rail closing off lines to investigate the problem.

The fault started in the Charlton area and so trains towards Dartford via Charlton are having to be diverted.

Trains can still run on services towards London, however they may be delayed running through the area at reduced speed.

In this particular situation the fault has been confirmed as a 'Track Circuit Failure', which means the signalling system is unable to automatically verify if the next section of track past the affected signal is clear.

You are advised to find an alternative route this afternoon.

More information as we get it.