A man has died after being hit by a train near Rochester.

Lines were blocked yesterday evening between Swanley and the Medway Town following reports of an incident on the tracks.

Paramedics and police attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 6pm.

His next of kin have been informed.

The incident sparked long delays with trains between London Victoria and Sittingbourne were delayed, diverted to London Cannon Street or cancelled at short notice. The route to Meopham was also closed.

Emergency services and Network Rail remained at the scene until the lines reopened at around 8.30pm.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "This incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

National Rail added: "If you’ve been affected by what happened on the network there is always someone to talk to.

"You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 from any phone for a confidential chat."