Trains have been cancelled and replacement bus services put in place after a person was hit on the line between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to Balcombe Road overbridge at 2.20pm today after a report of a person being struck by a train.

“Colleagues from the ambulance service also attended, and a man in his fifties was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries.

“Officers are making enquiries as to how he came to be on the tracks.”

A statement on National Rail’s website said: “We regret to inform you that a person has been hit by a train between Gatwick and East Croydon.

“The power to the lines in the area has been switched off to allow Network Rail response staff and the emergency services to attend to this tragic incident.

“You should check prior to travelling and allow extra time to complete your journey this afternoon.

“You may wish to postpone travelling until the lines have reopened.”

The statement also confirmed that ticket restrictions would be relaxed, meaning that Southern and Thameslink would accept each other’s tickets on reasonable routes, as well as a number of bus services taking train tickets in affected areas.

The statement continued: “A limited number of rail replacement buses are in operation at Three Bridges, Horsham, Gatwick Airport and Redhill.”

Thameslink confirmed the reports, and informed travellers that some lines had reopened.