A MAN whose body was found on rail tracks near York is believed to have died after being hit by a train.

The discovery of the man’s body, which is understood by British Transport Police (BTP) to be that of a 32-year-old local man, was made on a stretch of line near Copmanthorpe, shortly before 8.30am.

The line was closed throughout the morning to allow emergency services to carry out an investigation and remove the man’s body. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said a train driver had reported a body on the railway line near Earfit Lane at 8.28am.

He said: “Officers attended and discovered the body of a man, believed to be a 32-year-old local man, who had injuries consistent with having been struck by a train.

“At this stage the death is not being treated as suspicious and officers are now working to formally identify the man and the exact circumstances of his death.

“Once these inquiries are complete a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The death caused disruption on train services south of York throughout the morning.

There were long delays affecting services run by five train companies in the area. The incident, which was near the Colton Junction south of York, caused delays of up to 80 minutes – hold-ups which lasted until at least 1pm. Passengers on the London to Scotland East Coast line were among those affected.