A 49-YEAR-OLD man was killed when he was hit by a packed rush-hour commuter train travelling between Cannon Street and Ramsgate on Friday evening.

The accident happened at 5.50pm near Sittingbourne as the train, carrying more than 500 commuters, approached Goodhews crossing near Coldharbour Lane, Bobbing.

The passengers were asked to leave the train and walk along the track-side to a local hotel.

Later, they were transferred by coaches to their destinations.

The line was blocked for three hours in both directions while a thorough examination of the scene was carried out by British Transport Police.

Insp Derek Cheetham, based at Transport Police headquarters in Ashford, said no suspicious circumstances were involved.

An inquest will be opened on the father-of-two from Sittingbourne, whose identity has not yet been released by police.