A 16-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl died after being struck by a train on the railway line at Pokesdown, police have confirmed.

Officers and paramedics were called to the station just before 8.45pm on Sunday.

The girl, who was a pupil at a Christchurch secondary school, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: "At 8.44pm officers were called to Pokesdown station after reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended. A 16-year-old girl from Christchurch was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, her family have been informed.

"This incident is not currently being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner. British Transport Police are working with partner organisations and a local school to support those affected by these tragic events."

The identity of the schoolgirl has not been released.

Police urged anyone affected by the tragedy to contact Samaritans on 116 123 free of charge at any time.