A taxi driver has died in hospital after being taken ill at Headcorn Station on Good Friday.

It is believed he suffered a heart attack following a verbal altercation with a passenger just before midday.

The circumstances were such that British Transport Police initially believed he may have been the victim of an assault and moved swiftly to seal off the car park while evidence was gathered.

A blue tarpaulin was placed over the front of the victim's red Vauxhall taxi, which was parked in the forecourt immediately outside the station entrance, while a forensic tent was set up nearby.

Around 10 police cars attended the scene along with two forensic vans.

Trains continued to operate but were prohibited from stopping at the station for several hours and a temporary replacement bus service was put in operation between Pluckley and Staplehurst.

Around 20 motorists, whose cars were already in the station car park, found they were unable to recover their vehicles until 3.30 when police began to relax the cordon.

Eventually, at around 4.25pm, having viewed CCTV footage and interviewed witnesses, British Transport Police concluded that the 63-year-old driver had suffered a "medical episode" and had not been assaulted after all.

A spokesman said: "His family have been informed and are being supported by a specialist officer. They would like to express their thanks to everyone who assisted the man at the scene and provided medical support."

There have been no arrests, but police would still like to hear from any witnesses.

Anyone who saw what happened, or who has information, is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016, with reference 224 of 30/3.