A MAN died instantly after being hit by an express train on a level crossing at Hest Bank yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

The train running from Stafford to Edinburgh hit the man, who has not been named, on the crossing at 8.50am. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rail services in the area suffered severe delays as a result of the incident, with the main line closed for almost two hours.

Sgt Paul Hampson, of British Transport police, says: "We attended the scene and found the body of a male. He would have been killed instantly.

"Enquiries are continuing as to how the man came to be on the railway and to his identity. However, there are no suspicious circumstances."