A MAN was killed on the railway in York yesterday morning.

He has not been named but is 46 and believed to be from the local area.

The emergency services were called at about 7.40am, and British Transport Police (BTP) officers spent more than an hour examining the scene.

A BTP spokeswoman said the body of a 46-year-old local man was found on the track, and early indications suggested he had been struck by a train. She said: “BTP officers were called to the railway line near Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton , after receiving a report of a body on the tracks.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious. Officers will now be working to establish the circumstances surrounding his death, identify the man and inform his next of kin. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Local ward councillor Ian Gillies said: “It is always tragic when someone loses their life in this way, and my thoughts go out to his family.”

Replacement bus services ran on two Northern Rail services between York and Poppleton while the BTP investigation took place, with journey times extended by up to 20 minutes and four coaches used.

A spokeswoman for Northern Rail said the driver of the train had been given support and counselling.

A spokesman for Network Rail confirmed the line had been returned to their control at about 9am.