A man was killed this afternoon after he was struck by a train on a foot crossing in Canterbury.

The 36-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after he was hit by a train heading to London between stations at Canterbury West and Chartham at 12.45pm.

Power was shut off to the line and the train remained at the crossing at Tonford Lane in Thanington for almost an hour while police carried out their investigations.

Rail firm Southeastern put on a replacement bus service throughout the delays, but a normal timetable had been resumed by 4.30pm.

British Transport Police spokesman Peter O'Connor said: "We were called to a foot crossing at Tonford, near Canterbury, after a report a man had been struck by a train.

“Officers from BTP and Kent Police attended the incident, reported to us at 12.43pm.

“Colleagues from South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended, but a 36-year-old man from Canterbury was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed."

The man's death is being treated as non-suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner.