A MAN has died after being hit by a train on a busy stretch of track.

Commuters on the East Coast Mainline faced delays after the incident south of Darlington on Monday morning.

Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) were called to Hurworth Road, in Hurworth, near Darlington, shortly after 10am.

A BTP spokesman said: "Officers were called to the line after a report that a man had been struck by a train.

“Doctors and paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance also attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is currently being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

“Officers are currently working to identify the man and inform his family.

“The line was handed back to Network Rail at 11.15am.”

Rail passengers were advised of long delays, with a replacement bus service in operation between York and Newcastle, leading to delays of up to 90 minutes.

A Network Rail spokesman said the line was running as normal shortly after 11.15am.