An investigation has been launched after a man was killed by a train on a crossing at Chartham this morning.

Police are working to identify the victim and establish why he was on the tracks. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail Regulation have been told.

The fatality led to widespread commuter disruption - with Southeastern services being cancelled, delayed by an hour or diverted via Dover.

British Transport Police officers were called to the line close to Chartham station at about 5.45am after the person was hit by an Ashford-to-Sandwich train on the crossing in Riverside.

A spokesman said: "We were called at 5.45am following reports of a man having been struck by a train at a foot crossing close to Chartham station.

"Our officers attended, alongside colleagues from Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service, and discovered a man had been struck and killed by a train.

"The incident is not currently being treated as suspicious, though officers are working to determine why the man was on the tracks and have informed the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail Regulation.

"Officers are now working to identify the deceased and inform his family. A report will be prepared for the coroner."

The line was blocked until around 8.30am, when trains were able to run again in both directions.

However, Southeastern said the replacement bus service between Ramsgate and Ashford for passengers travelling via Canterbury West would continue until it could recover a normal service.

Passengers travelling between Canterbury and London were also advised to use Canterbury East station and travel to London Victoria.

Tickets were being accepted between Victoria and any of Southeastern's other London terminals at no extra charge.

Disruption was expected to continue until about 10.30am.