Man dies after being hit by a train at Portchester railway station

The tragedy took place at Portchester railway station earlier this morning.

Emergency services were alerted to reports of a ‘casualty on the tracks’ at 5.34am, British Transport Police said.

A spokesman for the force told The News: ‘Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.’

Authorities have not identified the man and its understood his next of kin is being sought.

The incident caused widespread disruption to railway services across the Portsmouth area.

Services between Havant and Fratton and from Fareham were suspended while emergency crews dealt with the male’s death at Portchester.

Railway operator Southern said disruption was expected to continue until 9am.

In a statement, Southern said: ‘Network Rail have advised that the emergency services have concluded their investigations and that lines have now reopened. However, whilst service recovers, trains between these stations may still be cancelled, delayed or revised.’

Trains were unable to move between Havant and Southampton Central.

Nearby trains were held at stations or diverted to Portsmouth Harbour instead.

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Replacement buses have been requested to run on routes between Southampton Central to Portsmouth in both directions, calling at all stations as well as Eastleigh to Portsmouth Harbour in both direction, calling at all stations.

A spokesman for Southern Rail has urged people to ‘allow plenty of extra time’ for journeys.

‘If you have not yet set off to the station, please travel later on today,’ the spokesman added.

Interested in getting more updates on traffic and travel around Portsmouth and Hampshire? Join our Hampshire Traffic and Travel Facebook group to see more news related to you.

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