A person has died after being struck by a train in Essex, blocking the Greater Anglia main line.

The British Transport Police reported that someone was on the tracks close to Chelmsford station at 2.20pm today (Tuesday, August 27).

A spokesman said: "Officers were called to Chelmsford station following a report of a casualty on the tracks.

"Paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service also attended, however a person has sadly been pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers are now working to identify the person and inform their family. This incident is not currently being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

Greater Anglia are telling passengers that no trains will travel between Shenfield and Colchester while the incident is ongoing.

This means that passengers travelling south from Ipswich will only get as far as Colchester before having to make alternative travel arrangements.

A statement on the Greater Anglia Journeycheck website said: "Due to a person being hit by a train between Shenfield and Witham all lines are blocked.

"Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.

"Disruption is expected until 9pm. Do not travel between Shenfield and Colchester."