Trains cancelled after bedbugs found on board

A number of train services were cancelled after drivers discovered bedbugs in their cabs.

Carriages on two affected trains were locked to isolate passenger areas from the cabs, said Southeastern, which operates services in Kent, East Sussex and Greater London.

The rail firm said the trains only remained in service while they "returned to a suitable location for inspection and if necessary, treatment".

The cancellations took place on mainline routes after the bugs were spotted on 22 September. None of the insects were found on any High Speed 1 trains, it added.

In a social media post, Southeastern said the affected trains were based at the West Marina Depot in Hastings, the terminus point for trains from London.

Services on the route go via Battle, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.

A spokesperson for the firm said trains and stations are cleaned "thoroughly" so passengers can "travel safely and with confidence".

Oly Turner, head of drivers at Southeastern, said: "We have a great relationship with our drivers, who have helped hugely in cooperating with us over these isolated incidents.

"When we receive reports such as these we check trains thoroughly before they are put back into service when given the all clear.

"Cases have been contained to the drivers' cabs in only two of our trains and no bed bugs have been identified in areas for passengers."

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