A RAYLEIGH man was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a train in the town yesterday.

The man, believed to be in his 50s, was hit by the train close to Rayleigh train station at about 6pm, causing the line to be closed for more than an hour.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “BTP officers were called to the line close to Rayleigh station, Essex, on Sunday, 22 December following a report that a man had been hit by a train. BTP and Essex Police officers attended the incident, which was reported to BTP at 6pm.

“Medics from East of England Ambulance Service also attended but the man, believed to be in his 50s and from Rayleigh, was pronounced dead at the scene. The line was handed back to Network Rail at 7.15pm. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”