Passengers evacuated after packed Southeastern commuter train 'shot at'

A London commuter train was evacuated after reportedly being “shot at” this evening.

A carriage on the 5pm service from Cannon Street to Hastings was left with a broken window after the incident. It is not known if anyone was injured.

Lawyer Birgit Clark, who was on the Southeastern trains service, said there was a brief delay as passengers were cleared from the affected carriage at Tunbridge Wells.

She said staff made two announcements saying the train had been shot at.

She told the Standard: “There was a little announcement saying ‘sorry for the delay, we’ve just evacuated the first carriage because we've been shot at’.

“It was just so bizarre and surreal. The message was delivered in such a calm way, like it was normal.”

British Transport Police said it was not clear what struck the window and that it may have in fact been a rock or stone.

A spokeswoman said: "We were made aware just after 7pm that the outer skin of a train window was smashed while passing through Dunton Green station in Kent.

"The damage had been caused around an hour prior to the report.

"At this time, it is unclear what struck the window. Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish what caused the damage and the train will be examined for any potential evidence."

Anyone who was at the station just before 6pm and saw what happened can call BTP on 0800 40 50 40, citing reference number 544 of 12/02.