Rail passengers have faced delays of up to an hour this evening after a person was hit by a train.

Services are now running normally through Chelmsford and Ingatestone but delays and cancellations across the main network are a possibility.

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “This affects train services between Liverpool Street and Chelmsford, Witham, Colchester, Clacton, Ipswich and Norwich. All services to these destinations are subject to severe delays, alteration and cancellations. Disruption is expected for the remainder of today (Sunday).

“Passengers with advance purchase tickets who are unable to travel today, tickets will be valid for travel tomorrow (Monday).

“Replacement buses are on site at Manningtree to cover for cancelled Harwich line services, and at Colchester for cancelled Sudbury line services.”

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman confirmed officers were called to Ingatestone rail station just after 5pm.

He added: “Officers from BTP and Essex Police attended the incident which is currently being treated as non-suspicious.

“Medics from the East of England Ambulance Service attended but the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The train involved in the incident was the 4.30pm London Liverpool Street to Norwich InterCity service.

The BTP spokesman said the line was handed back to Network Rail at 6.20pm.