A MAN died after being struck by a train this morning (Thursday, September 3)

The victim, who has yet to be named, was pronounced dead at the scene near Croxdale Viaduct, south of Durham City.

British Transport Police said they were called to the scene on the East Coast Main Line near the village of Sunderland Bridge shortly after 5.45am.

He was hit by a Virgin East Coast train, which was making its way from Heaton Depot to Middlesbrough to begin its journey.

A spokesman said: “Officers from British Transport Police and Durham Constabulary attended the incident, alongside colleagues from North East Ambulance Service.

“A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

“The incident is currently not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The incident led to significant delays on the East Coast Main Line between Durham and Darlington, with CrossCountry, First Transpennine Express, Northern Rail and Virgin Trains services experiencing delays of up to 90 minutes.

The line reopened at 8.30am, but knock-on delays continued throughout much of the morning.