Trains have been halted between Durham and Newcastle after a person was hit by a train.

British Transport Police and paramedics were called to Chester-le-Street station at 4.20pm on Friday after reports of a casualty on the tracks.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has reported that the person involved has died.

All lines are currently blocked as emergency services remain on the scene and trains are unable to run between Durham and Newcastle.

Passengers could be delayed by up to an hour or services could be cancelled as a result of the disruption.

There is expected to be ongoing disruption until 7.30pm.

Train services affected include CrossCountry, LNER and TransPennine Express.

TransPennine Express customers may use CrossCountry and LNER services between York and Newcastle.

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: “At 4.20pm today, officers were called to Chester-le-Street station after reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics are also in attendance. Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

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