A MAN has been killed after being hit by a train at Silverdale.

A spokeswoman for British Transport Police confirmed officers were called out at around 8.30pm last night after the male - whose identity has not been confirmed - was struck by the Manchester Airport to Barrow train.

They say the incident took place on the busy West Coast Main Line close to the town's crossing.

BTP officers attended along with colleagues from Lancashire Police and paramedics, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident is currently being treated as 'non-suspicious', said the spokeswoman, who confirmed that a file will now be prepared and passed to the coroner.

Last night local people took to social media to express their sadness at the incident.

Luke Smith ‏said: "Someone apparently hit by a train in Silverdale, i feel so sorry for them"

And Cathy Broomfield said: "I've had a long week and truly all I want to do is get home, but the news of a fatality closing the line puts a lot into perspective #rip"

Trains were delayed between Lancaster and Barrow for several hours.

National Rail staff confirmed the line was running as normal shortly after midnight.