A person has tragically died after being hit by a train on Friday morning.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the incident on the line in Darlington shortly before 7.30am after reports of a casualty on the tracks.

Paramedics rushed to the scene but the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

Read more: LIVE: East Coast Mainline blocked after person hit by train between Durham and Darlington

The line was blocked with train services facing cancellations and heavy delays through the morning rush hour and into the rest of the morning. Disruption is expected to continue until 11am.

The British Transport Police has confirmed it is now working to establish the circumstances of the incident.

A spokesperson said: “Officers were called to the line in Darlington at 7.28am following reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended however sadly a person has been pronounced dead at the scene.

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“Officers are currently working to identify the person and establish the full circumstances behind their death.”

A North East Ambulance Service statement added: “We were called to an incident on the railway line in Darlington at 7.26am this morning.

"We dispatched a clinical team leader and one ambulance crew and received support from Great North Air Ambulance Service.”

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If you or someone you know has been affected by this incident and are in need of support you can contact the following:

- Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58

- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust crisis line 0800 0516 171.