A PERSON has died after being hit by a train at Hassocks. 

British Transport Police has confirmed that the person died at the scene.

Emergency services were called to Hassocks railway station at 3.30pm after a Gatwick Express train heading to the coast struck a person on the track.

There are major delays and cancellations on Gatwick Express, Southern Rail and Thameslink services.

Commuters and schoolchildren along the London to Brighton line were left stranded. Train staff and members of the public were told to stay away from the track.

Station managers along the London to Brighton line organised bus services so stranded passengers could complete their journeys.

The Argus:

A National Railway spokeswoman said: "Both lines between Brighton and Haywards Heath are blocked."

Southern Rail tweeted: "A person being hit by a train between Haywards Heath and Brighton resulted in all lines being blocked. 

"Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 7pm.

"Where possible services will be diverted to run via alternative routes, however the following stations are unable to be serviced at present. These are Burgess Hill, Hassocks and Preston Park."