Detectives struggling to identify a man hit and killed by a train have released an artist's impression in a bid to contact his family.

Officers from British Transport Police have taken the unusual step after the victim's body was found on tracks between Tonbridge and Paddock Wood.

The man had no identification on him and his fingerprints were not on the police database.

DI Ashley Cooper, from British Transport Police, is appealing for the public's help in identifying the man.

He said: "It is crucial that we establish the identity to allow us to inform his family. Our enquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, and this is why I am asking for the public's help.

"It's very unusual that we would release an e-fit image of someone in these circumstances but it's very important that we contact his family and those close to him to let them know what has happened.

"Our specialist forensic artist created an e-fit of him and we are releasing it in the hope that someone may recognise him, even if they don't know him well, and come forward to us with information that could help us identify him.

"This man may be someone’s son, brother or father or friend. If you know someone matching the description we are keen to hear from you so we can identify him and inform his family as soon as possible.

"I'd like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, or who has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, so we can build a clearer picture of what took place."

The victim's body was found on tracks near Postern Lane at about 7.10am on Saturday, September 29.

The man is described as aged between 50 and 60-years-old, slim and around 5ft 7ins.

His hair was thick, dark brown and greying at the sides.

The man was wearing black Wrangler jeans, a black Wrangler t-shirt and a grey-green round neck heavy-knitted jumper made by Kilspindie of Scotland.

He was wearing black Reebok Classic trainers and green socks.

A souvenir keyring containing the logo from Sevenoaks National Trust property "Knole House" was also found in the man’s pocket.

Anyone with information is asked to phone British Transport Police on 0800 405040, quoting reference B3/LSA of 3/10/2012.