A landslip is causing severe rail disruption between Banehurst and Bexleyheath with the line now being closed until the weekend.

National Rail had earlier said the section of the line between Banehurst and Bexleyheath would likely be closed until Tuesday as responders worked to clear debris off the track.

A National Rail spokesman said: "A landslip has been reported near Barnehurst, causing significant amounts debris & tress to fall onto the line. The line is blocked in both directions.

"No trains will operate on the Bexleyheath line and trains that would normally operate via Bexleyheath will be either diverted or revised."

Rail authorities urged train users to seek alternative transportation. Southeatsern Railway said that trains would be diverted by lines running through Sidcup and Woolwich, while suggesting that any existing train tickets affected by the disruption would still be valid.

Earlier today on Twitter, Southeastern Railway said: "The #BexleyheathLine is SUSPENDED for the rest of today because of the land slip at #Barnehurst and you’ll need to find an alternative route. Trains will be diverted via Sidcup and Woolwich Lines. You can use your ticket on buses and tube at no extra cost."

National Rail added that rail users at Bexleyheath and Banehurst might also be compensated for the disruption.

Meanwhile, rail passengers have faced further disrupted after a signal failure hit Lewisham.

A problem from earlier has re-occurred, meaning the number of trains running through the station has been reduced.