A MAN'S body has been found on the train line between Sunderland and Hartlepool, emergency services have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to the railway line at Peterlee yesterday shortly before 3pm after reports of a casualty on the line.

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A spokesperson for British Transport Police confirmed today that sadly a man was found dead at the scene.

He said: “Officers were called to the line in Peterlee at 2.52pm yesterday (15 September) following reports of casualty on the tracks.

"Paramedics also attended however sadly a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"His family have been informed, and officers are currently working to establish the full circumstances behind his death.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokeswoman said they dispatched a double crewed ambulance, a clinical care manager and one crew from their Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.

Rail services between Newcastle and Middlesbrough were disrupted for several hours in both directions while the emergency services dealt with the incident.

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