Police are appealing for witnesses after the deaths of two people whose bodies were found on Kent’s railway network today, just hours apart.

The stretch between Folkestone and Dover was shut following the discovery of the first body in the early hours, impacting trains travelling into London and to Ramsgate.

Officers were called to the line “near the Port of Dover” just before 2am to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

Paramedics also attended and a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

Then, just after 9am, emergency services were called to the line near Canterbury East railway station, where a second person was confirmed dead.

In a statement about the Dover incident, a British Transport Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to the line near Port of Dover in Dover town at approximately 1.45am this morning to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also attended; however, sadly, a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Enquiries to establish the circumstances leading up to their death are ongoing and detectives are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed something to come forward.”

“Those with information are asked to text British Transport Police on 61016 or call them on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 51 of 6 September.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The Dover incident caused the cancellation of train services throughout the morning, with buses replacing trains between Dover Priory and Folkestone Central.

The line reopened at about 11am and services have resumed.

Southeastern initially reported the line was expected to remain closed until 6pm, but has since confirmed it has reopened. The closure impacted the lines to both Ramsgate and into London.

Emergency services remain at the scene at Canterbury East, and train services between Faversham and Dover Priory are disrupted.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to the line near Canterbury East railway station at around 9.19am today (6 September) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Elsewhere, services are also at a standstill between Maidstone East and Ashford due to a broken down train at Charing.

More as we get it.