A TEENAGER was killed after being hit by a train travelling at more than 65mph. British Transport Police are now investigating how and why the 16-year-old boy was on the tracks close to the Chart Road Bridge at Great Chart, near Ashford at about 9.45pm last night.

A search party found the mutilated body 600m from the bridge at 10.45pm - an hour after a driver reported hitting something as the train travelled towards Charing Cross.

It is believed the boy lived in the Great Chart area. The investigation is focusing on how he managed to get on to the lines and why he was on the tracks as the 18.39 Margate to Charing Cross service travelled through the village.

Police are also searching for a blue and black mountain bike, with distinctive red markings, which the boy was seen riding before the incident. The words New Eagle were written on the frame. Insp Morris added: "We have witnesses who saw the boy on the bike before 9.45pm, but we have been unable to find the bike following our searches.

"What we are most concerned about is why the victim was on the tracks and how he got there."

Connex South Eastern confirmed that both the London bound and coast bound lines were closed between 10.40pm and 12.30am while the area was searched.

A TEENAGER was killed last night when he was struck by a train at Great Chart near Ashford. The incident happened at about 9.45pm. The 16-year-old boy was hit by the 18.39 Margate to Charing Cross service, 600 metres from the Chart Road bridge.

The identity of the boy has not yet been released. Officers from the British Transport Police were at the scene today.

The coroner has been informed and an inquest will be held.