A MAN died when he was struck by a train in Brierfield.

Police and paramedics were called to a section of track just outside Brierfield Railway Station yesterday after receiving reports of a man being hit by a train.

The incident happened shortly after 3pm and the man, who has not been named, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Train services were temporarily disrupted along the line from Burnley Central to Colne for two hours before restarting again at 5pm.

British Transport Police were last night working to identify the man and contact his family.

A spokesman said that the incident was not being treated as suspicious and that Burnley’s coroner would be informed.

Passengers waiting on the platform said they were ‘shocked’ and ‘saddened’ to hear what had happened.

Commuter Sue Palmer, 57, said: “This is such a horrible thing to have happened.

“If anything positive can come out of this then I hope that people remain safety-conscious around train tracks and look after anybody who they know is in a fragile place.”

Rebecca Child, 24, who was waiting for a train to Blackburn, said: “What should also be remembered is that a poor driver had to see it all happen.

“I hope that they are looked after by Northern Rail because that’s a horrible experience for them to go through.”

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “Our officers were called to Brierfield Train Station shortly after 3pm on Friday following reports of a person being struck by a train.

“Colleagues from Lancashire Police and North West Ambulance Service also attended but a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers are now working to identify the man and inform his family.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Anyone with information should call police 101.