A train carrying 60 passengers came close to being derailed when it hit wood and bricks left on the track by vandals.

The local service, from Paddock Wood to Strood, Kent, was travelling at about 60mph when it hit the debris at 1830 BST on Monday.

The train did not derail, but the collision caused the braking system to jam.

No-one was injured, and engineers were called out to carry out emergency repairs. The line was blocked for almost two hours.

Inspector Gary Young, of British Transport Police, said: "This was a very serious obstruction on the railway line that could have quite easily caused a derailment resulting in death of serious injury.

"It was a deliberate act and the persons responsible need to be caught.

"I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us."