THERE are major delays to trains to and from Southampton after a man died after being hit by a train.

All lines have since reopened after previously no trains were able to run between Southampton Central and Bournemouth following the incident between Brockenhurst and Bournemouth.

South West Trains this morning confirmed the man was hit at Christchurch.

The incident happened shortly after 10am. Emergency services attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance said, "Services travelling between Brockenhurst and Bournemouth are facing delays this morning after a person was hit by a train shortly after 10am at Christchurch.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the person involved.

"South West Trains services from London Waterloo/Weymouth or Poole will terminate at Southampton Central / Bournemouth. A bus service is being organised to transport passengers.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause."

South West Trains said replacement taxis and buses are on the way and will run between stations from Southampton and Weymouth.

Passengers have been told to expect cancellations and short-notice alterations of up to 60 minutes.

Disruption of services is expected until at least 2pm.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “We were called to Christchurch railway station shortly after 10am on Friday, 20 February, following reports a person had been struck by a train.

“Colleagues from Dorset Police and South Western Ambulance Service also attended, but a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our officers are trying to identify the man, whose death is not being treated as suspicious, and inform his family.

“We will prepare a file for the coroner.”