A PERSON has died after being struck by a train on the North East rail network.

Emergency services were called to the line near Cramlington just after 4pm today.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “British Transport Police were called to the line near Cramlington at 4.01pm today following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

"Paramedics also attended and sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Officers are working to identify the deceased and establish the full circumstances behind their death."

The death means there are now lengthy delays to rail services between Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Read more: Hundreds more North East homes lose electricity supply

A statement posted by London North Eastern Railway said: “Emergency services are dealing with an incident between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed. Whilst they do their work, all lines are closed.

"Trains may be cancelled, revised to start / terminate at alternative stations.

"Some trains may be subject to delays as they are held at stations along the route.

"Disruption is expected until at least 9pm. However, after this time, trains will still be subject to severe delays as speed restrictions are in place due to the impact of Storm Barra.

"When lines reopen, trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to 90 minutes due to speed restrictions. 

"Network Rail have imposed a blanket 40mph speed restriction in the areas expected to be worst affected

"This is to protect passengers and train crew from the effects of the high winds as drivers are better able to bring trains to a halt if anything is spotted on the line ahead.

"Running trains at reduced speeds means services in the areas where temporary speed restrictions apply will have longer journey times. These areas are: between Aberdeen and Dundee, between Newcastle and Edinburgh, and between Edinburgh and Morpeth."

People are being advised to check before they travel.

To find out how services have been affected click here

• People who are feeling low and need to talk someone can call Samaritans on 116 123 on their 24-hour service available every day of the year. Alternatively, people who prefer to write down how they are feeling, or if they are worried about being overheard on the phone, can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.

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