BRITISH Transport Police officers are investigating after a man was struck by a train and killed.

Officers have confirmed that a body was found near Somerhill Tunnel, between Tonbridge and Southborough, at about 10.45am on Monday.

The elderly man, who has yet to be identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. The body was later taken to the Kent and Sussex Hospital at Tunbridge Wells.

High voltage power cables had to be switched off while police and emergency services attended the scene, and train services were disrupted throughout the morning and early afternoon.

Services to London were stopped at High Brooms and passengers were taken by bus to Tonbridge station, where they could continue their journey.

Southeastern Railway confirmed that a three-coach Class 375 Electrostar train was about to enter the Somerhill Tunnel when it collided with a pedestrian at the Forest Crossing, east of Vauxhall Lane.

About 50 passengers were aboard the train which was due to travel via Redhill.

A limited Southeastern service resumed two hours after the incident.

A spokesman for Southeastern Railway said: "This was clearly a very unfortunate incident and we are co-operating with the police and other agencies who are now investigating the circumstances.

"Naturally, our sympathy is extended to relatives and friends of the person who died.

"The driver of the train is being assisted through out chain of care."