A 20-YEAR-OLD man died after being hit by a train.

Police, paramedics and firefighters were called at around 7am on Thursday following reports that someone had been hit by a train in Clitheroe.

The body of a man was found up the track from the level crossing in Eshton Terrace, British Transport Police confirmed.

Allan Knox, ward councillor for Primrose in the town, said: “This has been a tragic incident which has shaken the whole community.

“All of our deepest thoughts are with family and loved ones.”

A resident, who saw emergency services at the scene while she was out walking her dog, said: “The road and crossing had already closed on my arrival.

“I walked to the top of the castle and saw emergency service personnel on the track by side of a bridge. This is terribly sad.”

Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: “This isn’t the kind of thing you expect to happen where you live, everyone is in a state of shock.

“Our thoughts are with the family, it has been a very sad day.”
A spokesman for the transport police said: “Officers attended but sadly a male was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers are now working to identify the deceased and inform their family.
“They are also working to establish the circumstances surrounding his death, which are not being treated as suspicious.”

Rail services between Blackburn and Clitheroe were affected by the incident with a number either severely delayed or cancelled.

The line reopened after 9am and train services were running normally by 10am.

A spokesperson for National Rail said: “Emergency services dealt with an incident between Blackburn and Clitheroe.

“This resulted in trains being unable to run between these stations.”
They added that a replacement bus service ran between Blackburn and Clitheroe.

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance said: “We sent a number of resources to the scene and someone has died. No one was taken to hospital.”