Tragedy at Christmas as person dies on railway tracks

The death of a person on a railway line through Salford was sadly confirmed by police today.

British Transport Police said officers and other emergency services were called to Eccles railway station at just before 10am on Monday morning. It followed reports of 'a casualty on the tracks', the force said.

A person was then sadly pronounced dead at the scene, said a BTP spokesperson. The tragedy isn't being treated as suspicious and it's understood a file of evidence will now be passed to a coroner.

Rail commuters in Manchester were warned of delays and possible cancellations today due to the tragedy.

Delays to services of up to an hour were reported between Newton-le-Willows and Manchester Victoria railway stations as a result. Tickets were being accepted on other routes as emergency services worked at the scene.

TransPennine Express services between Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street were affected, together with East Midlands Railway services between Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street.

TransPennine Express, meanwhile, said all lines were blocked as a result.

The line reopened at just after noon, with residual delays.

No sex or age for the person has been revealed. BTP said enquiries were ongoing.

In a statement, BTP said: "Officers were called to Eccles railway station at 9.55am today (23 December) to reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner." No further details have been revealed.