A PERSON has died on the tracks near a railway station after being struck by a train.

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed the person, who was hit by the train yesterday evening, was dead when emergency services arrived.

The accident happened at around 8.50pm on Saturday, near Eastbourne Station.

A spokesman for BTP said: "British Transport Police were alerted to a report of a person being struck by a train near to Eastbourne Railway Station at 8.48pm on Saturday.

"Officers attended the location with other emergency service partners where unfortunately a person was found to be deceased on the railway.

"Next of kin have been informed and a report is being submitted to HM Coroner."

There was a big emergency service response.

Fire and ambulance crews were at the scene as well as Sussex Police.

Lines were completely blocked while emergency workers attended and did not reopen fully until the early hours of this morning.

Many passengers were advised not to travel due to long delays and cancellations to services.