Thousands of commuters faced delays today after a woman died on the rail line near Chelmsford.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokeswoman said: “BTP officers were called to the line near to Chelmsford rail station after a report that a woman had been struck by a train.

“BTP and Essex Police officers attended the incident, which was reported to police at 12.49pm and is currently being treated as non-suspicious.

“Paramedics from the East Anglian Ambulance Service also attended but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The train involved was the 11.52 service from Ipswich to Liverpool Street.

At one stage all trains scheduled to run on the line were halted for at least an hour.

Although some trains had to be cancelled, National Express East Anglia has said there are now 20 minute delays to its services, which are expected to continue well into the evening.

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