(Image: PA MEDIA)
A person has died following an incident on railway tracks near a North East train station, British Transport Police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to an area of the railway line close to Newcastle station at around 8am on Wednesday (October 21), following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
Officers attended alongside paramedics, but the person was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police (BTP) said: "We were called to an area of the line close to Newcastle station at around 8am today (21 October) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
⚠️ Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident at Newcastle the 05:45 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh service due 09:57 has been previously delayed and is now 58 minutes late from King Edward Bridge S. Jn. ❗ Please note: delay times can sometimes be reduced and brought forward. ℹ️ Live journey updates: https://t.co/Ozj3Kqotc8 🎫 If you have been delayed by 30 minutes or more, you may be able to claim Delay Repay compensation for your journey. Visit https://t.co/L1VE8YYw2K for more information.
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"Officers attended along with paramedics but sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances leading up to their death."
The incident has caused significant disruption to rail services across the North East this morning, with passengers travelling through Newcastle, Durham and Darlington potentially affected.
National Rail, Northern and TransPennine Express warned that trains running to, from and through Newcastle could be cancelled, delayed or revised while emergency services attended the scene.
TransPennine Express said: "Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident between Newcastle and York all lines are blocked.
"Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
"Disruption is expected until 10am."
Northern also confirmed that all lines were blocked at Newcastle, while National Rail subsequently reported that some lines remained closed.
The disruption has affected the East Coast Main Line, with potential knock-on delays for passengers travelling between Newcastle and York, including services through Durham and Darlington.
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Rail operators have introduced ticket acceptance arrangements to help passengers complete their journeys.
TransPennine Express customers can use their tickets at no additional cost on CrossCountry, LNER and Northern services between Newcastle, York and Leeds.
CrossCountry has also confirmed alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers, including ticket acceptance on selected LNER, Northern, Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express services.
Passengers are being urged to check their journeys before travelling and allow additional time.
National Rail initially warned that disruption was expected until 10am on Wednesday, although services may continue to be affected as operators work to restore normal timetables.
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