Eurostar journeys stopped by unexpected strikes in France
Dozens of services through Kent have faced disruption
Christmas getaway journeys were ruined for tens of thousands of people on Thursday after cross-Channel rail services were suspended due to an unexpected strike in France.
The industrial action is affecting Eurostar - which operates passenger services to and from London St Pancras - and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, which runs vehicle-carrying trains to and from Folkestone.
At least 24 Eurostar trains have been cancelled.
Eurostar said in a statement: "Due to unexpected strike action by Eurotunnel staff, services are currently not able to proceed through the Channel Tunnel until mid-afternoon at earliest."
Four trains are returning to their starting point.
Eurostar cancelled all services before 7pm.
Passengers booked on the three trains due to operate after that time were warned that "we cannot exclude additional last-minute cancellations, which may include your train".
News agency Reuters obtained a statement from Getlink, which owns the Channel Tunnel and operates Eurotunnel Le Shuttle services, which said: "Today's call for strike action by representatives of Eurotunnel's French site staff unions has resulted in the complete interruption of service and the closure of our terminals in France and the UK."
The company reportedly added that trade unions had rejected an offer of a bonus worth 1,000 euros (£867) per employee, demanding a payment worth three times as much.
Strong winds were also disrupting the Christmas getaway on Britain's domestic railway.
Damage to the overhead electric wires between Milton Keynes and Watford meant all lines between those stations were blocked.
This was affecting Avanti West Coast services between London Euston and Scotland.