Person dies after being struck by train near Merseyrail station

A person has died after being hit by a train close to a Merseyrail station.

The tragic incident happened at around 10pm on Tuesday, following reports of a casualty on the tracks in the Freshfield area.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene and all Merseyrail services between Hall Road and Southport were suspended.

A person was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Labour MP for the area, Bill Esterson, was among those to pay tribute on Tuesday.

He said: "So sorry to hear this. Terrible for the person killed, their loved ones and the driver. So sad.."

Tributes were also shared by ECHO readers who expressed their shock and offered condolences to the family.

Wendy Gerrard wrote: "Thinking of their family, friends and the driver. RIP."

ECHO reader Amanda Rhodes said: "Feel for the person’s family and the driver. Absolutely heartbreaking xx."

Sharon Smith said: "My god, another one. So so sad, thinking of everyone affected. RIP."

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A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: "Officers were called to the line close to Freshfield station at 10pm last night following 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 file will be prepared for the coroner."