A man has died after being hit by a high-speed train near Chilham this afternoon.

British Transport Police said the victim was struck soon after 1.30pm and officers are not treating his death as suspicious.

The fatality led to heavy disruption on Southeastern services with short-notice delays and cancellations.

The line between Chilham and Wye re-opened at about 4pm, but delays were expected until around 4.45pm.

The man was hit by the 12.53pm high-speed train from Margate to St Pancras.

Officers are working to identify him and inform his family.

A BTP spokesman said: "Officers were called to the scene, close to Chilham station, at 1.35pm following a report of a person hit by a train.

"We attended along with Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service, but the person died at the scene. We are treating the incident as non-suspicious.

"We are working to identify the man and tell his family. Officers are preparing a report for the coroner."

Earlier, all Southeastern services between Ashford and Ramsgate were affected while the line was closed.

Passengers were advised to use alternative routes and a replacement bus service was also in operation from Ashford International to Ramsgate, via Canterbury West.