Commuters have reacted with fury after Southeastern announced that a signal problem in Lewisham will affect services throughout the evening.

The tweet inspired an emotional response, with people suggesting that the Network Rail track issue is happening far too often.

One person tweeted: "Nearly every day now. Same old problems."

Another wrote: "Of course it’s just in time for rush hour. What a fabulous 2019 all us commuters are having already."

A National Rail statement read: "A fault with the signalling system at Lewisham is causing disruption to trains at the station. Trains may be delayed or revised."

Trains are expected to be delayed for up to 20 minutes because of the signal problem near the station.

Network Rail is investigating the fault.

The year started with a 3.2 per cent fare hike for many commuters, who are paying top dollar for an increasingly frustrating service.

The affected routes are:

London to Dartford & Gravesend via Woolwich, Bexleyheath or Sidcup

London to Hayes

London to Orpington & Sevenoaks