Person dies after being struck by train near Canterbury East

A fatal incident involving a train led to major disruption on the railway near Canterbury East late on Tuesday (December 23) night. The collision occurred on the Dover to Faversham line at 11.19pm, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

Police, paramedics and rail staff remained at the scene throughout the night, with Southeastern confirming that emergency crews did not leave until 6.49am this morning. As a result, the final two services on the route were diverted to Ramsgate, with replacement buses arranged for affected passengers.

After the emergency response concluded, engineers were sent to the site to deal with the train involved in the incident. The line remained closed for several hours while work was carried out, leading to further cancellations and amended services between stations on the route.

British Transport Police said officers were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said:

"Officers were called to the line near Canterbury East railway station at 11.19pm yesterday (23 December) following reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances leading up to the incident."

Southeastern later confirmed that services had returned to normal following the reopening of the line.

A Southeastern spokesperson said:

"Sadly a person was hit by a train late last night between Dover and Faversham. Some trains were diverted last night and early this morning to allow the emergency services to complete their work, but all lines have now re-opened."

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