Police say a body discovered on railway tracks between Folkestone and Dover is believed to be that of a 40-year-old woman.

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed they were called to The Warren near Capel-Le-Ferne shortly before 11am on Sunday morning.

A spokesman from the British Transport Police said: "Officers were called to the line close to The Warren, Folkestone, at 10.50am yesterday after a report of a body on the tracks.

"Colleagues from the ambulance service also attended, however, a woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Formal identification has not yet taken place, however it is believed to be a 40-year-old woman.

"Her family have been informed."

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn said: "My thoughts are with the family of this woman as they come to terms with this awful news.

"It is now vitally important we understand precisely what happened and we have a team of detectives working to trace her final movements.

"Whilst these essential enquiries are made, I am keeping an open mind regarding how this woman came to be on the tracks and to lose her life.

"I would ask anyone who saw a woman near to Folkestone station during the early hours of Sunday morning to contact us as soon as possible.

"Any information, no matter how significant, could prove vital."

Residents in Folkestone reported seeing huge emergency response travel through Folkestone at 11am, including at least three ambulances.

Kent Police spokeswoman Natalie Hardy said on Sunday: "Police were called to a report of a person seen on the railway line in Capel Le Ferne, Dover at 10.50am on Sunday 30 September.

"Officers are carrying out enquiries at the scene."

A post mortem will take place in due course.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 185 of 30 September.

SECAmb have also been contacted for comment.